As the year draws to a close, the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, but there’s no rest for performing arts professionals.
Whether a dancer, singer, musician or performing arts practitioner, life gets busier as the end of the year progresses. For many, autumn and winter mean rehearsals and performances ramping up as celebratory shows approach. It can be easy to feel pulled between social events and professional demands.
Luckily, mindfulness and strategic self-care routines can get you to 2026 without extra stress. Here’s how to stay grounded as the busy period approaches!
Navigating the End-of-Year Rush
For performers, the last months of the year are often the most demanding.
Rehearsals intensify, performance schedules tighten, and colder weather brings an increased risk of seasonal illnesses. On top of that, festive gatherings and social commitments can pile on. There’s always an excuse to celebrate, from festive after work drinks to December get-togethers.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to get stuck in this space. Simple strategies can make this period more manageable, such as:
- Prioritise rest and recovery
- Plan rehearsals and tasks realistically
- Take short breaks during long days to stay focused
- Eat well and get enough sleep
- Be mindful of alcohol consumption
- Guidance from organisations providing clinical leadership in the creative sector and support for performing arts practitioners around the UK (that’s where BAPAM can help)
Jump to the BAPAM health resources and fact sheets now.
Mindfulness for Self-Compassion and Emotional Awareness
What better time to look back at your progress than the end of the year?
Reflection at the year’s end can bring both pride and self-criticism, so practising self-compassion is key. Acknowledge your accomplishments and challenges without judging yourself. Remember that your career journey is unique, and comparing it to others only adds pressure.
It’s helpful to check in with your feelings regularly and notice how stress shows up in your body.
Organisations like BAPAM help with supporting performance arts in the UK, and provide performers with access to resources and wellbeing programmes designed to help manage these emotional demands.
Staying Grounded and Injury-Free
Stress and fatigue increase the risk of injury, making mindfulness essential for physical health, no matter the season!
However, end of year time-crunches can make injuries more likely if you’re in a physical role, so it’s good practice to remember the following points:
- Gentle warm-ups and stretching before rehearsals or performances
- Conscious breathing exercises to maintain focus
- Short mindfulness breaks during the day (deep breathing or body scanning)
- Taking breaks if you feel overwhelmed or overexerted
Learn more about healthy performance training in the winter here.
Looking to the Future
How’s your calendar looking for the end of 2025?
No matter how busy you’ll be, taking time to pause and reflect is essential as the year ends. While you reassess, make sure you build in some healthy practices to get you through the busy season without stress or injury.
Even small, consistent self-care practices can make a significant difference, and you’ll start 2026 feeling like your best self!