How to have a Personal and Healthy Relationship with Stand Up Comedy!
It is no secret that stand up comedy, and the entertainment industry as a whole, has a bit of a toxic reputation. The hours are not conducive to a regular job, it’s dominated by alotta white dudes, and comedy is constantly evolving (did you read our last blog post? )
We love the saying, “Failure to plan is a plan to fail.” So here are 7 ways that you can prepare to have a personal and healthy relationship with stand up comedy:
Escape the toxicity of “hustle culture” which is hyper-focused on productivity and stardom, lacking regard for rest, self-care, & a work-life balance. This can negatively impact your mental health and lead to unnecessary anxiety and stress. #Yuck
Prioritize self care and make sure each day includes at least one activity dedicated to taking care of yourself. This can be anything from reading a book to booking a trip, and anything in between! Just make sure it’s for Y-O-U.Your future self will thank you.
Boundaries & breaks, babe. Just because we CAN work, doesn't mean we should. Regular breaks keep stress levels low and prevent you from burning out. If a life-saving heart surgeon can take time off and go on vacation… so can you, Dr. Chuckles. Have a life outside of stand up comedy.
Be kind to yourself. Be mindful of any negative self-talk and reframe that ‘ish! Strive for progress, not perfection. Stand up is hard and YOU ARE STILL DOING IT. That’s bad ass! Make a list of all your comedy accomplishments to refer to when you’re feeling especially low.
Eyes on your own paper. Avoid the urge to compare yourself to other comedian =s by redirecting your focus to yourself. The only person you should compare yourself to is YOU, 6 months ago. Allow others to inspire you, not make you feel badly about yourself.
You’re in a relationship with stand up comedy and relationships require TLC. The LaughtHER Collective! We’re kidding. Of course we’re talking about T-Boz, Left Eye, & Chilli. Give your relationship TENDER, LOVING CARE.
Lead with love. Communication, understanding, compassion, honesty, trust, vulnerability, and forgiveness. All of these will keep your relationship afloat and sustainable for the long-run. You got into this for a reason. Remember your why.
Remember that small, positive changes can lead to big transformations. Make today about YOU & your comedy journey with stand up comedy.
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