How Take care of Yourself before a Show

Runway shows can be nerve wrecking. Here are some tips to take care of yourself:

1. Get organized: Do your styling and put your poses together as soon as you receive your outfits from the designers. Nothing is harder on your nerves than having to rush to finish your assignments.

2. Practice, and then practice some more: Walk the runway at least once, even if it is a straight run. Being familiar with the runway will soothe your nerves and avoid any confusion on the day of the show.

3. Get your Sleep: Focus on getting the sleep you need the night before the show. Know and get the number of hours of sleep you need for optimal performance.

4. Lightly Exercise: Exercising lightly before the show can get your blood circulating, send oxygen to your brain and burn off some of those stress hormones. Take a walk or do a few knee bends.

5. Change your perspective: Interpret anxiety symptoms as excitement. Use the nervous energy to your advantage to keep you on your toes and focused.

6. Do some deep breathing. This can be very calming. Take two or more deep, slow breaths before you get on the runway and during your walk.

7. Eat several hours before the show: Eat at least one hour before you hit the runway, not immediately before.

8. Dress for success–your success! Dress comfortably and set yourself up so you can sit comfortably for the duration of the pre-show and show.

9. Take care of your needs: Use the restroom immediately before the show. You do not need that distraction.

10. Have snacks and drinks: Plan ahead; have room temperature water to sip on and if the show lasts a long time have snacks nearby to keep your energy and focus up.

11. Lean on a Friend: If you need to, express your fears to a friend and then let them go.