Day 3 - Body (Self-Care)

In all of the work we do with our he(art), we have to remember that our body is a huge part of that. We have to remember to take the time to nourish and care for our WHOLE selves. We use our bodies to run marathons (8 shows a week plus press) and be spiritual guides (being vulnerable in front of hundreds) for the audience. So take care of your body. Give it the fuel it needs to run the marathon, but also give it the rest it needs to be the guide. I’m ALL for taking the time you need and doing what feels right for you. There is no “correct way”. For me when I’m in a show, taking care of my body looks like:

  • Sleeping at least 8 hours

  • Eating three solid meals

  • Meditating

  • Drinking extra water

  • Being kind to myself when I feel tired and run down

  • Doing facemasks whenever possible

  • Talking to my family

  • Therapy

  • Even more sleep. 

For others, it may include something different like, more or less sleep, working out, taking time to warm up and stretch, taking time to disconnect from the world, power naps, etc. The list is endless since all of our needs are so unique to our bodies. 

Anything that makes you feel your best, is best. Don’t let people tell you otherwise. 

Being kind to yourself is so important as we go through this journey. We are all learning. We are all growing.

Listen

Exercises & Journal Prompts

Exercise:

Try out some new routines over the next few days. If you normally sleep in, try getting up earlier to stretch and move your body. See if you feel better during the day. If you normally go to the gym every day, try taking a day off and practice meditating and being still for that time. See how you feel adding that in.

Start practicing gratitude towards your body. When you wake up, say “thanks for showing up today”. Throughout your day say thank you’s for all the hard work your body is doing to keep you moving. Body and soul connection is a team sport. Support them both by having them be kind to each other. 

Journal Prompt:

Write down everything you do for the next three days. Every activity, everything you eat, how much you hydrate, conversations you have, interactions, how you sleep, what feelings come up for you. See if you notice anything that feels off. We each have an intuitive sense of our needs and when we start to recognize and acknowledge our patterns we can often identify easily what’s working or not working. For everything that isn’t serving your highest self, circle it and write “Thank you for taking care of me, body. I’m listening.” Begin to see what adjustments might be healing for you. Can you begin to welcome in a new habit or routine to help heal and take care of yourself? If you’re not sure how to shift or make positive change, understand that the simple awareness of building a practice of listening to your body is a great start. The more we listen the easier it is for our body to begin communicating with us clearly. Maybe the first day you realize you aren’t hydrating at all so you circle it and write, “Thank you for taking care of me, body. I’m listening.” And maybe you don’t rush to make a change but the next day you realize you’re excited to start the day with a big glass of water to wake your body up. Simply let the awareness guide you in how you might begin to take care of you.

🌎🌐

During a time of social distancing, here are a few additional journaling prompts to consider for BODY.

  • What does self care look like for you right now?

    • Can you bring more intention to caring for yourself during this time?

  • How can you feel empowered in your home/ living arrangement?

    • Can you create a calm atmosphere?

  • What can you do that makes your body and heart feel loved in this climate?

    • Can you start meditating?

    • Breathing exercises? Highly recommend THIS book! And the author has online workshops and offerings as well in case you can not access her book during COVID 19.

    • A yoga journey? I love Yoga with Adriene

    • Doing more face masks? THESE are a fav that the FFB team and I use! :)

 

At Fit for Broadway, we create safe spaces online and in real life to learn and grow together. Fit for Broadway Online Workshops are meant to encourage connection within our community. Feel free to join our Facebook Group to share and connect with other participants. It is a great space to talk about your experience, connect with new friends, or ask questions inside the community space.

If you have technical questions, concerns, or feedback about this FFB Workshop, please contact:  jane@fitforbroadway.com

Caitlin does not directly receive questions through the FFB Online Workshop portal so please direct all Workshop related questions or concerns to  jane@fitforbroadway.com  Please refrain from sending Caitlin questions about FFB Workshop technical support on social media or within other interactions. FFB is here to support you!

 By creating an online account with Fit for Broadway, you have declared that you will not share this information or content in any form, online or otherwise. Sharing content will be traced and we monitor IP addresses to ensure online workshops are not being accessed on numerous devices. Not complying with this will result in legal action or deactivation of your account. Thank you for your integrity. 

Non-professional disclaimer: Instructor is not a licensed health professional. Any advice given is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician. 

Content Warning: This workshop content (video, written, audio) discusses sensitive subjects about self-care and strong emotions. If you need help at any time, please call 1-(800) 931-2237 for the National Eating Disorders Hotline or 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.