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.