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When I was performing eight shows a week in a major West End show, I was on a path to burnout–but I had no idea. I thought I was doing all I could to take care of my body. I was going to the gym regularly, doing pilates every day, warming up thoroughly before each performance, and keeping up with my training by seeing a vocal coach once a week and taking dance classes.
Yet, I was constantly exhausted, injured and ill. And I would never admit it to anyone–not even myself–but I had lost all my joy for performing.
I now know that burnout is very common among performers, but we often miss or overlook the signs.
The WHO describes burnout as a syndrome linked to chronic work stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterised by exhaustion, mental detachment from one’s job, and poorer performance at work.
It is becoming more and more common, with some statistics citing that 595,000 people in the UK suffered from burnout in 2018.
The West End schedule is particularly gruesome. Performing eight times a week, six days a week takes a physical, mental and social toll, especially since most contracts last at least one year.
Physically, there is no chance for the body to recover. Sometimes we didn’t even have twenty-four hours between performances.
Mentally, performing so many shows in such a short period of time can make performers feel drained and unfocused.
Socially, we work when the rest of the world is off work, which means we miss out on time with loved ones who work “regular” schedules.
This is one of the most overlooked signs of burnout, because it can feel particularly confusing for performers. You got into this career because you loved it, so when that passion and joy start to fade, it can be particularly disheartening.
You might also feel a sense of guilt or shame because of the fact that so few performers “make it”, which makes you feel like you need to feel grateful all the time.
When I was heading towards burnout, I constantly relied on sugar to get me through the day. This is a telltale sign of pre-burnout.
Other performers medicate by using alcohol, other types of food, or drugs.
Are you catching colds and feeling under the weather every other week? This may be a sign that you are heading towards burnout.
Prolonged stress can set off the body’s inflammatory response, and chronic inflammation can compromise the immune system and damage tissue in the body.
With your immune system weakened, you may experience more frequent colds and put yourself at risk for injury.
This will look different for everyone. Take a good look at your inner and outer environment and identify the stressors that are going unmanaged in your life.
I have already highlighted the demanding West End schedules as a major stressor, but it can be much deeper than that.
For me, perfectionism had a tremendous impact on my mental health. I was constantly seeking approval from my creative team, so much so that I didn’t realise I was holding on to stress from work even when I was at home.
For others, not being able to spend quality time with their loved ones is a major source of stress. The sooner you figure out what is causing you stress, the sooner you can do something to manage it.
In order to be a brilliant performer, you need to be a healthy human being first. When we intentionally look after our health, we give ourselves permission to slow down. It is an act of kindness and self-compassion, and is the key to overcoming burnout.
I try to avoid using the term “self-care” because it has been hijacked by social media images of people in fancy spas, drinking wine and having massages. If this is what your body needs, then that’s great. But be careful not to think of self-care as only that. Self-care is one example of looking after your health intentionally.
The key is to slow down, pay attention to what your body needs, and do that often.
3 Simple Ways for Performers to Break Free from Perfectionism
Embracing a “Human First Paradigm” for Healthier and Happier Performers
Originally from Barbados, Crystal Nicholls is a Professional Dancer and Nutrition Coach, based in London. She has performed on tv, the high seas, and Disney’s The Lion King. Through her 1:1 coaching programs, she helps high level performers overcome stress, to find balance in their lives and achieve their goals.
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