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Relaxation Techniques For Kids

Let’s face it. We live in a stressful world. Traffic, money (or lack thereof), our relationships with family and friends, our jobs, and/or the threat of losing them all contribute to a feeling of insecurity.

Our innate biological responses, which exist to motivate us in case of emergencies, kick in, and adrenaline and cortisol are released. Theses hormones are great friends when escaping a fire or providing superhuman strength to lift heavy fallen objects in time to save a life, but their continual production not only compromises our effectiveness, but our health as well.

Although children may have fewer daily responsibilities, the stress in their young worlds can be just as ominous. As all levels of education become increasingly more competitive, the pressure to perform well academically also increases. Anxiety over not fitting in, of course is an age-old trial of childhood. And now we are recognizing the prevalence and harmful effects of bullying.

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Performance Anxiety and Young Actors

For any creative process to be successful, it is important that the critical voice of perfection takes a back seat. Nothing will squelch creativity like the fear of being judged or of “not doing it right.” And for those of us in the performing arts, this is especially tricky because as much as we may practice and feel good about what we’ve done in rehearsal, as soon as we’re on stage, on camera or in front of people, fear and anxiety may creep in, keeping us from our most free and expressive performance.

Although some children love the spotlight, there is a good chance that by the time they reach adolescence inhibitions may well begin to surface. Of course adults, too can suffer from performance anxiety. Many an audition I have blown by not allowing myself the time to release the stress of revealing my emotional life to perfect strangers before I enter the casting office.

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Learn More About Improv Acting

Rules! Rules! Rules! Why are there so many rules in life? Eat your veggies, stop kicking your brother, and when it comes to improv always say “yes.” Wait…what??? Actually, that last one I happen to agree with. I repeat: When it comes to improv, always say “yes,” and don’t deny. Better yet, say “yes and…” As with the rule don’t poke a hungry bear with a pointy stick, some rules are there to protect
you.

In improv, saying yes is your friend, your BFF, your soul mate. Why is that? Let’s break it down.
First, we need to acknowledge the elephant in the room: Improv is not real. SHHHHHH! I know, shocking.

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