How To Deal with the Stresses and Anxieties in the Entertainment Industry

By: Stan Popovich (www.managingfear.com)

Stress and anxiety are very common in today's entertainment industry. As a result, here is a list of techniques that a person can use to help manage the daily stresses and anxieties of their entertainment industry profession. Sometimes, we get stressed when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper, or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. When facing a current or upcoming task at your entertainment-related job that makes you anxious, divide the task into a series of smaller steps and then complete each of the smaller tasks, one at a time. Completing these smaller tasks will make the stress more manageable, and increases your chances of SUCCESS.

Sometimes, we can get anxious over an event that we will have to perform in the near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the event in your mind. For instance, you have to perform in front of a large group of people in the next few days, and before the big day comes, imagine yourself doing the event in your mind. By doing this, you will be better prepared when the time comes. SELF-VISUALIZATION is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of an upcoming situation or event.

Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that makes you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel anxious, open up your small notebook and read those statements.

Remember that NO ONE can predict the future with 100% certainty. Even if the thing that you feared does happen, there are circumstances and factors that you cannot predict, which can be used to your advantage. For instance, you miss the deadline for a project you have been working on for the last few months, and everything you feared is coming true. Suddenly, your manager comes to you and tells you that the deadline is extended, and that he forgot to tell you the day before. This unknown factor changes EVERYTHING. Remember: We may be 99% correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that 1% to make a world of difference.

In dealing with your anxieties at your entertainment job, learn to take it ONE DAY AT A TIME. While the consequences of a particular fear may seem real, there are usually other factors that cannot be anticipated, and can affect the results of ANY situation. Get all of the facts of the situation and use them to your advantage. Our anxieties and stresses can be difficult to manage in the Entertainment industry. The more control you have over your stresses and anxieties, the better off you will be in the long run!

*STAN POPOVICH is the author of 'A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non-Resistant Methods' - an easy-to-read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties.