Student Blog: Balancing Work and Life in the Theatre

Burnout. Such an easy feeling to slip into. For me, the school year started as it normally did; fun, exciting, and yet manageable. Slowly but surely, one too many “yes’s” to projects, extracurriculars, and social activities and suddenly I have not had a moment to myself in weeks. There are days where it feels like my apartment exists as a place I sleep at and nothing more, sometimes leaving at 8 AM and not returning until midnight, only to crash into my pillows and seemingly wake up immediately to do the same thing all over again.  Burnout can happen fast, especially in the theatre where a rough tech week can take its toll.  Sometimes this semester it has felt like a constant battle of “I just have to get through this week” until the week is over and then it all starts again.  Thankfully, there is hope in the form of organisation and time management!

Google calendar is my one true saviour in life.  Without it, my organisational skills would be much less impressive, and my brain much less orderly.  I include almost every single aspect of my life immediately into my calendar, colour coded with a specific shade to match the task and its importance.  My calendar is my saving grace, and I check it constantly to remind myself of my tasks throughout the day.

On top of my organisational skills being put to the test in Google Calendar, I also include every single deadline and due date for assignments into a detailed checklist.  Throughout the semester, I work through this list one by one, and I always feel an immense sense of accomplishment at getting to cross something off a list.  This is one of the first things I do at the beginning of the semester, and once my assignments are all situated, then I can start completing them. 

Another thing that I do that ensures that I manage my time properly is I keep a very tidy life.  I keep my room clean and I meal prep often.  These things, albeit small, are so helpful in my life. I am the kind of person that can’t get things done until my bed is made in the morning, so maintaining cleanliness and order keeps me sane. 

Burnout is no joke.  I can list all these tips that I do, but the truth of it all is that I am prone to burnout, and spreading myself too thin.  I wish I prioritised my mental and physical health more in my life, as it is so truly important.  Taking time for myself, taking time to move my body, and taking time to sleep and rest are not bad things! These are things we all need and we should be allowed to partake in without feeling guilty. I would love to implement an hour of my day for myself and for my health. I believe that I have a long way to go in maintaining a balance between work and rest, but I know there is hope, and I know I can improve!