ACTORS FUNK AND HOW TO GET OUT OF IT (part 1)

Acting is a business and just like any other business we experience highs and lows. We can go for months sometimes years with no work, that’s where the ‘funk’ kicks in. An actors funk is the gap in between jobs when an actor is out of work. Even Hollywood Oscar winning actors experience it. It comes and goes.

I experience my worst actor’s funk in July. I dont know why, maybe its the cold winter weather coupled with the fact that there are very few or no jobs going around.  Before, I didn’t know what was happening. I didn’t know how to handle it. I just felt depressed, felt like my life had no purpose. Started seriously questioning my career and if all this effort was worth it. These are the times when I just want to quit and go back home. I have this feeling for a while then it passes.

These days I’m aware when I’m in a funk and have different ways of dealing with it. Below are my quick fix solutions to an actor’s funk

EXERCISE

This is the best quick fix remedy I can suggest. When the funk kicks in I put on my headphones, head straight to the gym and hit the treadmill, an hour later I’m all good. Also, a few months ago I started practising ‘Kundalini yoga’ OMG! It is so amazing. It mostly deals with meditation, cleansing your aura, mind, body and spirit. I love it. I feel at peace every time I take a class. If you dont have gym membership do whatever it is to exercise. Run outdoors, walk your dog, swim, play any sport… same effect really!

TAKE A BATH, READ AND WRITE

There is nothing like a good book. Pick something that you like, prepare a nice warm bath, switch your phone off then disappear into that world. Fiction books work magic. Also a bit of romance never hurt anyone :). Books exercise your brain and can be a great stress reliever. I keep a DAILY journal which can be a lot of work but on funk days I find that writing really helps to get me out of it. Try it sometime, see if it works for you.

SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Having too many funk days can easily lead to depression. It is therefore very important to surround yourself with people. Since I dont have my family here I always make a point of skyping or calling them. Those few minutes of hearing their voice or seeing their faces through a screen soothes my soul. I feel at peace again. I also hang out with my friends here, have a lunch or a coffee and just chat about everything. It is very important not to be alone during this time.

GO TO CHURCH

Sometimes all we need is a little spiritual guidance. I got to church and just sit in God’s presence. Its amazing how at ease I feel when I get home. You don’t even have to go to church. Just ask for advice from to the big man upstairs. He always listens and gives you the answers you need.

DANCE

During some of my funk days I play very loud music in my apartment and dance as if its my last day on earth. WORKS-EVERY-TIME. Word of caution; stay away from songs that make you sad or nostalgic. Don’t know why but Depeche Mode get me nostalgic, especially the  ‘enjoy the silence’ song.

GOT A LITTLE CASH?

If youre lucky enough to have some change to spare, I have a few suggestions. By all means go shopping. There is nothing in this world that a good pair of Jimmy Choo’s cant fix. Take a weekend away. Sometimes a little change of scenery is all you need. Check yourself into a spa and have a relaxing massage (a mani-pedi also won’t hurt)

DECLUTTER

Sometimes we get into a funk because our physical space is suffocating us. Clean up and organize the space around you. Make your bed, vacuum, clean the dishes, give out clothes and shoes you havent been wearing for a while. When we declutter our physical space we clear our minds as well and suddenly everything seems to be working out.

GET LAID

Yup! Sometimes all you need is a little play time in between the sheets and you’re good as new. Freaky but true (pun totally intended)

These are a few ‘fix me quick’ remedies that I practice to get out of actor’s funk. Sadly, sometimes the funk can run a bit too long, sometimes even years. At this point you must seriously start considering more permanent solutions. Next week I will give a few solutions on how to deal with a long term funk.

Image: Rozelle de Waal

Epic Line: I can’t be spontaneous unless I plan for it !

Brick (The Middle)

Disclaimer: this blog is proudly brought to you by the voice(s) in my head. It does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any personal issues. If symptoms persist, contact this person immediately