Do you think you need to cut calories in order to be “healthy?” Or to have the “ideal body type?” If you do, you are certainly not alone. This myth has been circulated in popular culture for years and has dominated the performing arts industry. Sadly, this myth is harmful to young, vulnerable performers, who hear it from well-meaning, albeit misguided, teachers, peers, and social media influencers. I am on a mission to bust this myth and rid it of our industry, once and for all. I will start by breaking down how this myth became part of popular culture so we can better understand and hopefully move past believing that calories are king.

As performers, having enough energy and stamina to get through a performance week without feeling depleted is the ultimate dream. Few of us reach this point, and it has become the norm to feel constantly fatigued, run down, and burnt out. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are five things that are draining your energy as a performer–and what to do about them.

“I’m scared of failing.” This is one of the most common fears I hear from clients. When I get to the root of this fear, I discover that it often comes from the need to prove themselves. Here are 4 powerful reminders to ground you when those feelings of insecurity start to creep in.