Protecting your energy as a performer isn’t always a walk in the park. As artists, 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. This feeling of “barely making it through” is never questioned. It is totally accepted and, sometimes, a badge of honour to show how hard we’ve worked. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we take care of ourselves, we are more than capable of making it through a performance week without feeling depleted and mentally drained. Here are five things that are draining your energy as a performer–and what to do about them.

Energy tip 1. Consuming enough/efficient calories While I am not an advocate for focusing solely on calories, I think it is important for performers to realise that they should consume upwards of 2,300 calories per day. Performers underestimate how many calories they need, especially if they are following fad diets designed for people who are sitting at a desk all day. Performers may follow standard nutritional advice, without realising that we need more calories than the average person. Athletes know this. So professional sports teams invest thousands of pounds in nutritionists and coaches to have access to the latest nutritional science.               Performers, it’s time to train like an athlete. A 1,200-calorie diet will not give you the energy you need to perform at an elite level. It is also important to note that a calorie is simply a unit of energy, and should not be relied on too closely. The number of calories you need w...