It is difficult to keep up with the ever-increasing competition as a dancer in today’s world. Due to the excessive competitive streak within our dance fraternity today, most dancers find themselves increasingly stressed. Given this scenario, a dancer has to make the most of the opportunities available to him and go out to market himself. But do you as a dancer realise that you are getting stressed and burning yourself out? Do you feel the need to take a break?
Most often, we dancers don’t realise that we are stressed out and that’s where our problems begin. The most important part is to realise that you are stressed and then work towards de-stressing. I know of dancers who don’t even know that they have burnt out and need a break in their personal or professional life.
While most of us are stressed in some way or the other, suffering from chronic stress can be detrimental for your health. Stress comes in different ways — from getting nightmares to overeating. Watch out for those signs as a dancer, especially if you see yourself losing your cool very often and getting irritated easily. Your body is trying to tell you at such times that you need rest. Take the cue and make necessary changes in your lifestyle to overcome stress.
Our body gives us the sign that we are stressed and it is up to us to recognise it: A stressed-out woman dancer is twice as likely to experience painful cramps. A sore mouth or jaw can be a sign of teeth grinding, which more often than not happens when you’re asleep. Stress only worsens this situation.
When you’re stressed out, you tend to wake up more often during the night and can even have nightmares. Medical studies show that bleeding gums is a sign of stress. If you suddenly notice that you’re suffering from acne, it might be because stress increases inflammation that leads to breakouts.
Stress is also known to trigger sugar cravings, so if suddenly you are craving for a big bar of chocolates then it is not good sign. Stress hormones may also stimulate the production of a blood protein that causes allergic reactions.
And for all the dancers, if you are not paying attention to your sex life, then chances are that you are stressed out.
Learn to beat the stress that is affecting you and find better ways to cope and manage your time. Ask your family and friends for help you overcome the problems, there’s nothing wrong in admitting you’re unbearably stressed. Make sure you get plenty of rest, exercise often, follow a healthy diet, avoid smoking and cut down on alcohol.
This will facilitate you see the change and a change in lifestyle will help you overcome stress and live your life a as true dancer. Remember you can dance and perform your best when your mind and body is relaxed and free of any anxiety, pressure, strain, tension or trauma. So recognise your stress level and try your best to overcome it with your determination and dedication.