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6 Ways Actors Reduce Post Movie Stress

Acting and stress often go hand in hand. Whether you’re a seasoned actor or only now trying to dip your toes into the cinematic industry, you’ll find yourself dealing with the jitters from time to time.

Stage fright (also known as performance anxiety) and social anxiety disorder is arguably the most common forms of stress and anxiety affecting millions of actors worldwide.

However, a group of actors suffers from one largely unexplored form of anxiety known as post-movie stress. Read on as we expound on the causes and potential solutions to post-movie stress.

Understanding Post-Movie Stress

Various ways may help reduce post-movie stress, including using high-potent kratom strains like good quality thai kratom, exercises, and meditations. But first, let’s begin by understanding what this anxiety disorder is all about.

Now, the phrase ‘post-movie stress’ simply refers to the stress and anxiety that sets in after acting in a movie, television series, documentary, or stage performance.

Post-movie stress may not be as common as stage fright or social anxiety disorder. However, it’s just as serious as other significant forms of stress and anxiety affecting actors.

Various reasons may trigger post-movie stress.

For instance, an actor may feel overworked and underpaid. This is common among lead actors who happen to star in high-grossing films but receive considerably lower base salaries. It’s worth noting that most actors enter into a contract before accepting any movie role. The deal usually spells out the payment terms. But sometimes, it’s natural to feel like we got less than we deserved.

Bossy and condescending behavior of directors, producers, or distributors can be another significant cause of post-movie stress among actors. Some film directors can be so patronising that they prevent actors from letting their creative juices flow naturally. And when your wishes are at cross-purposes with those of your boss, it’s only natural to get anxious.

The following are other causes of post-movie stress;

Difficulty fitting into a role
Difficulty transitioning from one role to another
Lack of chemistry with other cast members
An underlying anxiety disorder

Without timely intervention, post-movie stress may degenerate into a more severe mental problem. Indeed, there’s a long list of actors who’ve struggled with mental conditions for years. A notable example is Kit Harington of the Game of Thrones franchise. Harington reportedly checked himself into rehab following the end of the Game of Thrones.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways actors can relieve post-movie stress. These methods range from conventional antidepressants to home remedies.

6 Ways to Treat Post-Movie Stress

1. Try Kratom

Mitragyna speciosa, popularly known as kratom, is a tropical evergreen tree exotic to Southeast Asia, marketed for its immense therapeutic properties. The tree contains several alkaloids, such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, which boast powerful anxiolytic benefits.

As an anxiolytic plant, kratom is best known for its sedative and muscle relaxing benefits. Extracts from the herb produce a calming sensation, which may relieve stress and various anxiety disorders.

However, it’s worth noting that kratom products are not made equal. As you shall find, certain kratom strains are more effective for post-movie stress than others.

2. Meditate

Meditation has been used as a stress buster from time immemorial. So, it’s not surprising that it’s also one of the most reliable ways to combat post-movie stress.

The best thing about meditation is that there are plenty of ways to go about it.

You can opt for self-meditation, where you set aside 15 – 20 minutes a day to lie down and be quiet as you focus only on your thoughts. You can also consider guided meditation, where you engage a professional to take you through the process.

If a professional is hard to locate, you can invest in meditation apps and instructional videos.

3. Do Yoga

Yoga is another excellent way to relieve post-movie stress among actors.

Yoga reduces stress primarily due to its ability to promote relaxation. A relaxed body is the direct opposite of a tensed and anxious body.

Various yoga poses (asanas) can aid blood circulation and promote flexibility while relieving pain and inflammation. For actors who are new to yoga, there are scores of asanas to experiment with.

However, it’s recommended to choose yoga poses intended explicitly for relaxation. Examples include the wide-legged forward bend pose, the lizard pose, and the sphinx pose.

4. Consider CBD

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It’s one of the two compounds in marijuana that accounts for most of the plant’s therapeutic properties, the other being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Pain, inflammation, nausea, insomnia, and anxiety are the top medical issues that actors may relieve using cannabidiol. CBD might ease post-movie stress by increasing the body’s signaling of ‘happiness’ hormones, such as serotonin. Low serotonin levels have been observed among people with anxiety and depression.

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a growing number of celebrities who use and advocate for CBD. That only goes to show how effective the compound might be in treating post-movie stress.

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5. Make Certain Lifestyle Adjustments

Sometimes, an actor may suffer from post-movie anxiety based on their personal life choices.

For instance, your residence can play a significant role in increasing your post-movie anxiety levels. Actors who live within the hustle and bustle of a city are more likely to develop anxiety than those who reside in suburban areas amongst a supportive community.

Besides residence, your choice of friends may also contribute immensely to your post-movie anxiety levels. If you constantly hang around friends who delight in bringing you down, then it won’t be long before you begin grappling with anxiety.

Financial problems and poor career progression are other serious issues you may need to address in your life to keep post-movie anxiety at bay.

6. Go for Counseling

Actors who witness no substantial improvements in anxiety levels despite implementing the tips above may seek professional counseling.

The counselor will psychoanalyze you and construct your mental and psychological profile before recommending the best course of action.

When looking for a counselor for post-movie stress, it’s essential to choose one specializing in this area. So, don’t be afraid to ask them for proof of certification, keeping your eyes out on any evidence of specialization in handling post-movie stress.

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Final Word

Post-movie stress is a severe condition that could derail an actor’s career. However, it’s reassuring to note that there are several effective ways to combat this anxiety. If your anxiety persists despite implementing the above remedies, perhaps it's time to consult a qualified psychotherapist.