In a lot of ballet companies, Nutcracker season proves to be the busiest, most hectic time of year. Add to that your personal holiday commitments and you can easily fall into overwhelm.
There’s a lot of very unhealthy tactics dancers employ during Nutcracker season in an effort to show no weakness and simply push through it!
Then, there are the performers who have found a healthy and grounded routine that works for them. They have likely developed their healthy “Nutty” habits over the years and are able to breeze through the season without getting sick or injured.
Let me help you get on the fast track to cleaning up your Nutcracker Act by highlighting some of the most common tactics most of us have tried to “push through” this busy season.
Sugar = Fast Energy, right? WRONG…
“Instead of providing the body with nutrition, it creates deficiency. It enters swiftly into the bloodstream and wreaks havoc on the blood sugar level, first pushing it sky-high—causing excitability, nervous tension and hyperactivity—and then dropping it extremely low—causing fatigue, depression, weariness and exhaustion, ” says Joshua Rosenthal of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
As you can see, sugar is not only no good as a source of performance energy but it also increases the likelihood that you will get sick.
Running on Adrenaline…
If you don’t prioritize healthy sleep and relaxation habits during Nutcracker time, you’re likely putting an excessive workload on your adrenal glands which are your bodies primary shock absorbers.
This can also lead to an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone, “cortisol increases your appetite and energy level while toning down your immune systems allergic and inflammatory responses,” says Dr. Christine Northrup.
The “I can do it all” Mentality
Some things have got to give. You can’t expect to take class, go to rehearsals, cross – train, find balance, go holiday shopping, cook your meals, work an extra job, run your blog, sew your pointe shoes, get 9 – hours of sleep, go on dates, attend every holiday party, AND perform your best.
You need to plan and prioritize!
So many of you already took the time to register for the no – cost “Self – Care for Nutcracker Season” webinar, one week from today. Shelby and I are so thrilled!!
This workshop is now available as an audio training in The Whole Dancer Foundations Course!
