Yoga for performers

Yoga for performers 

Yoga is a useful coping stratgey, I have never done Yoga myself and this is something I would consider trying as I do pilates. ‘Dr. Gibbs suggests low-impact aerobic activity like riding a stationary bike, walking, or going for an easy jog one to three times a week. "If I have a stressed-out dancer, I recommend exercise," he says. "It releases endorphins, and reduces injury and cholesterol. It's the number one treatment for depression and anxiety.’ (Raminsky p26 2009) 

Benefits of Yoga for Dancers 'YogaWiz' (Online)  

• Balance
• Clarity of the Mind
• Confidence
• Flexibility
• Improved Circulation
• Improved Hip Mobility/Flexibility
• Improved Lung Capacity
• Posture Improvement
• Purification of the Body
• Stamina
• Strength/Muscle Toning
• Stress Relief

Marc Woodford believes that, 'ALL types of yoga practice are meant to bring integration, simplicity, liberated strength and supported freedom to both body, mind and soul' (online) He offers Yoga for dancers and athletes and believes Yoga can help to relax the mind. 

'Between classes, rehearsals, and performances, it’s all too easy to become overworked and overwhelmed. Yoga is beneficial in its promotion not of building perfect technique, as is standard in the dance world, but on creating peace of mind and a stress free environment for the student. Working through the poses at your own pace gives you the time you need to unwind from the stress of the stage, while still providing immense physical benefits.' Yoga for dancers (Online) 

This quote goes to show that Yoga is not only a good coping strategy to help relax the mind and to de-stress from the pressures of the performing arts industry but it also has physical benefits. 

Do you do Yoga? Does it help you relax and destress? Do you find it a good coping strategy? Feel free to comment! 

Bibliography 

Benefits of Yoga poses for dancers. YogaWiz. Online. Available at: http://www.yogawiz.com/health-issues-and-yoga/benefits-of-yoga-for-dancers.html#continued ( accessed 4th January 2015)

isport. Yoga for Dancers. Online. Available at: http://ballet.isport.com/ballet-guides/yoga-for-dancers (accessed 4th January 2015) 

Raminsky (p26  June 2009) Your Body 

Woolford Marc. Yoga with Marc. Online. Available at: http://www.yogawithmarc.com/yogafordancers.html (accessed 4th January 2015) 

Hypnotherapy for performers.

Hypnotherapy 

During my Inquiry process on coping strategies for performers struggling with the pressures of the industry, i have found a coping strategy for performers that i was previously unaware of this is Hypnotherapy.  

'Hypnotherapy is a type of complementary therapy that uses hypnosis, an altered state of consciousness.' NHS (Online) 

One of my interview participants informed me of how this really helped with their anxiety caused from the pressures of the performing arts industry. This encouraged me to research in more depth how hypnotherapy could be a useful coping strategy. 

The main way i feel that hypnotherapy could be useful for performers is the fact that it can reduce stress:

'Hypnosis can help reduce stress –  Stress can cause serious illness in people like heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and sleep disorders.  If you have a lot of stress in your life and your body is constantly in a high alert state then one of the benefits of hypnotherapy would be learning some simple relaxation, hypnosis and meditation techniques that can change your life. If you feel like you can’t get your stress levels under control by using diet, exercise and  medicine then it’s time to think about what hypnotherapy and hypnosis can do for you.  Because Hypnosis involves putting you in a deep state of relaxation it gives your mind and body a chance to recuperate, repair and heal itself by experiencing the relaxation that it desperately needs. Again the Hypno Relax download will give you an excellent introduction into learning the basics of relaxation and de-stressing techniques.'  Connect Hypnotherapy (Online) 

I came across a useful webpage which offers Hypnosis for Creatives, Actors, Singers, Dancers, Directors and Artists. 'Howes, Graham' (Online) Howes recognises that performers do struggle from stresses and strains and that hypnotherapy can be a beneficial coping strategy. 

Howes has experienced 38 years as an Actor, Theatre Director, Writer and Singer so he is an Expert in the performing arts world as well as having experience working in Harley Street as a Hypnotheapist specialising in Perfomer's Problems, he mentions, 'Stress and Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Anger Management, Panic Attacks Worry and Anxiety are very real problems for Performers' 

In his sessions he teaches a number of tried a tested strategies. I was interested to read that there are specialists hypnotheapists for performers and i feel performers may feel they can relate to Howes as he has experience of being a performer himself.  

The National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) Offers information on local hypnotherapists in your area, you can enter your location and it will show up specialists in your area. It holds one of the largest registers of independent Hypnotherapists in the UK. This is not performer specific but some performers may feel more relaxed if they have an outside view away from the performing arts 'bubble'. 

Bibliography

Connect Hypnotherapy: Online. Available at: http://connecthypnotherapy.com/10-benefits-of-hypnotherapy (Accessed 4th January 2015) 

Howes, Graham. Online. Available at: http://www.hypnotherapy-colchester-ipswich.com/wp/171-2/ (Accessed 4th January 2015)

National Council for Hypnotherapy: Online. Available at: http://www.hypnotherapists.org.uk (Accessed 4th January 2015) 

NHS. Online. Available at:http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/hypnotherapy/Pages/Introduction.aspx (Accessed 4th January 2015)