WELLBEING — Feel it to Heal it — Emotional Check-ins for Performers

Feel It to Heal It — Emotional Check-ins for Performers

As performers, we spend a lot of time embodying other characters’ emotions — joy, heartbreak, rage, wonder — but how often do we pause to check in with our own feelings? This week’s wellbeing focus is all about emotional self-awareness — learning to recognise what’s going on inside you so you can stay grounded, focused, and emotionally healthy on and off the stage.

WHY IT MATTERS:

  • Performing is emotionally demanding. When we bottle things up or push through without acknowledging our feelings, stress builds — and eventually, it can lead to burnout or anxiety.

  • Getting good at naming your own emotions helps you build emotional regulation skills (essential for stage and screen work), deeper empathy, and stronger personal boundaries.

  • Emotional intelligence isn’t just a “soft skill” — it’s a superpower in the arts.

YOUR CHALLENGE THIS WEEK

Take 5 quiet minutes a day — after school, rehearsal, or before bed — to pause and ask yourself:

“What am I feeling right now?”

Don’t try to fix it. Don’t judge it. Just name it.
You might say:

  • “I feel excited, drained, and nervous.”

  • “I feel peaceful, proud, and a little lonely.”

  • “I feel frustrated, disappointed, and tired.”

That’s it. Just three words. The goal is to build awareness — not perfection.

Optional Tools

  • Keep a Voice Note Diary: Not a fan of writing? Record a quick check-in.

  • Create a Feelings Chart: Stick one on your wall or dressing room mirror.

  • Use Emojis in a Mood Tracker App: Visualising your week can help you spot patterns.

THE TAKEAWAY

You are more than your performances. Your feelings — even the messy ones — are valid, important, and worth listening to. Learning to “feel it to heal it” is not just self-care… it’s part of your craft.

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PERFORMANCE TIP — Rehearse the Moments Between the Lines

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