As artists we should be taking care of our health
I think many of us are guilty of continuing to work when we’re not feeling 100% well, perhaps it’s a headache, a backache, something’s just “not right”, or a mental health issue.
If we don’t look after ourselves – who will?
Is there anyone in your life to say, “Best get that checked by a doctor.” or some other phrase suggesting we seek help?
Sometimes we don’t listen to others – and more importantly – we don’t listen to ourselves or our own bodies.
Over the years I’ve soldiered on when I wasn’t feeling great, or was suffering from a dreadful aching back or pounding headache, and I’ll be honest – most times I regretted it, because I should have been resting instead.
As artists we need to REALLY PAY ATTENTION when our body is telling us it needs to rest, whether it’s a headache, mental health or something more serious.
I’ve learned that if you’re not feeling 100% fabulous, and you have scheduled a class, a meeting, a speech, an event of any kind, it’s best to speak up and be honest – let people know you’re not well, and they will understand.
Being totally honest about our health allows our students, followers, our peers to understand that we are human and suffer from illnesses and frailties, and they will understand.
Please don’t become a martyr who powers on, and then needs to recuperate for one or more days (or weeks) to get back to normal because you weren’t feeling great
- speak up
- let the other person/people know in advance
- allow your mind, body, spirit time to heal and improve to feel better
- then reschedule
- you’ll feel so much better and will do a fabulous job
If it’s an event and you need to bow out:
- let the organisers know as soon as you can, to give them time to find a replacement
- have the discussion so that when you are back in good health, you’ll be great at their next event
- stay in touch with them and keep them posted if you’re out of action for a few weeks, keep them in the loop, and you’ll both feel better about the situation.
Reaching out and speaking up is the best solution – don’t suffer in silence
When I haven’t listed to my own advice (years ago), I always regretted it, especially if I made my health worse by not bowing out and apologising for the disappointment.
Be open, honest and up-front – let people know and accept their understanding and kind words, allowing us to start taking care of our health
With love,
Teena Hughes xoxox
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Ciao ciao for now!
