July 2019

Afterpiece Podcast

We have been talking about a podcast for a couple of years, and our friend, Blake Minor, has inspired us to get our podcast up and going. If you don’t know Blake, catch his podcast, Minor Wisdom, each week. Minor Wisdom is a podcast "for theatre educators by theatre educators. Listen to be inspired and energized for the classroom (and the stage)."
You’ll hear great interviews with people that make theatre education sound easy. We listen every week and have really enjoyed Blakes interviews and insights.
Afterpiece is a 18th century theatrical term that refers to a short, usually humorous one-act playlet or musical work following the the full-length play. It concluded the theatrical evening and was presented to lighten the five-act tragedy that was commonly performed. So, we would like to lighten your stress-filled life of theatre education by sharing some of the things we’ve learned.

Each week (or every other week), we will share some of our combined 50 years of teaching and directing experience with you. 
Afterpiece will produced every week for your enjoyment and show notes are found at www.EducationalTheatreConsultants.com  
Visit often and feel free to add the podcast to your favorite RSS feed or iTunes podcast playlist.

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Taking Care of Yourself  This Summer

As theatre educators we all experience a unique load of stress. We actually have two jobs. One in the classroom every day and one after school. Stress is distinctive part of our theatre lives.  
This is a topic of which I have become quite familiar over the last six years and my enthusiasm to share stress management has grown as a direct result of my experience. 

Stress is the body's reaction to harmful situations -- whether they’re real or perceived. When you feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in your body that allows you to act in a way to prevent injury. This reaction is known as "fight-or-flight,” or the stress response. During stress response, your heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten, and blood pressure rises.  Your body is now ready to act. It is how you protect yourself.  
 
I've learned that a little stress every now and then is normal, but ongoing, chronic stress, like we experience in educational theatre, however, can cause or exacerbate many serious health problems. 

Are you stressed? Do you have any of the symptoms below compiled from the American Heart Association and Health.com?

Emotional symptoms of stress include:

• Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
• Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
• Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
• Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed
• Avoiding others

Physical symptoms of stress include:

• Low energy
• Headaches
• Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
• Aches, pains, and tense muscles
• Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
• Insomnia
• Frequent colds and infections
• Loss of sexual desire and/or ability
• Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet
• Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
• Clenched jaw and grinding teeth

Cognitive symptoms of stress include:

• Constant worrying
• Racing thoughts
• Forgetfulness and disorganization
• Inability to focus
• Poor judgment
• Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side

Behavioral symptoms of stress include:

• Changes in appetite -- either not eating or eating too much
• Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities
• Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
• Exhibiting more nervous behaviors, such as nail biting, fidgeting, and pacing

 
I bet as you read through the lists above you can pick three things from each of the categories. So, each month, I want to share a stress management tip with you. So this summer, let's start wit this:

Try to do at least one thing every day that you enjoy, even if you only do it for 15 minutes.

• Start an art project (oil paint, sketch, create a scrap book or finger paint with grandchildren).
• Take up a hobby, new or old.
• Read a favorite book, short story, magazine or newspaper.
• Have coffee or a meal with friends.
• Play golf, tennis, ping-pong or bowl.
• Sew, knit or crochet.
• Listen to music during or after you practice relaxation.
• Take a nature walk — listen to the birds, identify trees and flowers.
• Make a list of everything you still want to do in life.
• Watch an old movie on TV or rent a video.
• Take a class at your local college.
• Play cards or board games with family and friends.

 
Daily Relaxation
Relaxation is more than sitting in your favorite chair watching Netflix. To relieve stress, relaxation should calm the tension in your mind and body. Some good forms of relaxation are yoga and meditation. But science suggest that floating is the most stress-relieving activity you can do. 
 
Like most skills, relaxation takes practice, so why don't you start by heading to the pool. ​

Sources:
American Heart Association
Health.com

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