What are some effective ways to manage your own energy and focus during a demanding production schedule?

Working on a theatrical production can be exhilarating, rewarding, and fun, but it can also be exhausting, stressful, and overwhelming. Whether you are a director, actor, designer, technician, or stage manager, you need to manage your own energy and focus during a demanding production schedule. Here are some effective ways to do that.

1 Plan ahead

One of the best ways to avoid burnout and stay on top of your tasks is to plan ahead. Create a realistic and flexible schedule that outlines your goals, deadlines, rehearsals, meetings, and personal commitments. Prioritize the most important and urgent items and delegate or postpone the rest. Use a calendar, planner, or app to keep track of your progress and remind you of upcoming events. Review your plan regularly and adjust it as needed.

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Julie Mallon

UAE Sleep Expert and Founder of Nurture 2 Sleep
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This a very helpful article that again emphasises the importance of sleep, however, I still believe the corporate world can lead the way by putting sleep first, then work, and only then will we all present with the best version of ourslves.

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2 Take breaks

Another way to manage your energy and focus is to take breaks. Working non-stop can drain your mental and physical resources and impair your performance. Breaks can help you recharge, relax, and refocus. Schedule regular breaks throughout your day and week, and use them to do something that makes you happy, calm, or inspired. For example, you can meditate, listen to music, read a book, exercise, or chat with a friend. Avoid using your breaks to check your email, social media, or news, as these can add more stress and distraction.

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Capt. JB Matheka

Airline Pilot
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Leave and time out is very important A break from work will allow you to switch off, de-stress, regain focus and re-energise. This is essential if you want to create a sustainable culture of engagement, productivity and happiness, and mental health wellbeing thus the importance for annual leave throughout your organisation cannot be overemphasised.

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3 Eat well

Your diet can also affect your energy and focus levels. Eating well can help you maintain your health, mood, and stamina. Choose nutritious and balanced meals and snacks that provide you with enough protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid skipping meals or relying on junk food, caffeine, or alcohol, as these can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, dehydration, and inflammation. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day. If possible, prepare your meals in advance or bring your own food to the theater.

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4 Sleep well

Sleep is essential for your energy and focus, as well as your memory, creativity, and immune system. Getting enough quality sleep can help you cope with stress, recover from fatigue, and perform better. Aim for at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night, and follow a consistent sleep routine. Avoid using your phone, computer, or TV before bed, as these can disrupt your circadian rhythm and melatonin production. Make your bedroom comfortable, dark, quiet, and cool. If you have trouble falling asleep, try some relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, aromatherapy, or meditation.

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Colin Lawlor

CEO SleepScore Labs -With over 600 million hours of sleep data from more than a million users, we provide personalized sleep insights to help people thrive. Thought Leader Forbes Business Council.
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While under pressure, we tend to allow everything else to come first and take our time - then compensate late into the evening (taking more time to finish basic tasks as we tire.... then we need to decompress before bed - so more stream that episode and perhaps do so with a glass of wine). This means less sleep than we need and we end up more tired, less effective and the vicious cycle continues. Strong advice, enter this phase with a diary for your night and make an appointment - at least 30m to wind-down (shower, bath, read a book but not your phone), then a schedule for sleep. Make that appointment your number one priority and everything else will fall into place easier.

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5 Seek support

Finally, one of the most effective ways to manage your energy and focus is to seek support from others. You are not alone in your theatrical journey, and you can benefit from the help, advice, and encouragement of your colleagues, friends, and family. Communicate your needs and expectations clearly and respectfully, and listen to the feedback and suggestions of others. Ask for help when you need it, and offer help when you can. Join a support group, network, or community of theater professionals who share your passion and challenges. Remember to celebrate your achievements and appreciate your team.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some effective ways to manage your own energy and focus during a demanding production schedule?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Plan ahead

2 Take breaks

3 Eat well

4 Sleep well

5 Seek support

6 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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What are some effective ways to manage your own energy and focus during a demanding production schedule?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Plan ahead

2 Take breaks

3 Eat well

4 Sleep well

5 Seek support

6 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

Rate this article

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