With the busy schedule of a film set worker, it may be tough for you to find the time and the resources to stay fit and healthy. Film sets are chaotic places where your schedule and workload can change extremely fast. Since so much time is focused on this unique but challenging job, there is not a lot of time to allocate planning how to stay healthy.
Not only is it an ordeal trying to pay attention to your health while on a film set, but if you fall, sick because you haven’t been able to take care of yourself, the film shoot may have to go on regardless. Knowing this you may, push yourself way too hard so you can continue filming while you’re sick. This will inevitably make you sicker and could possibly cost you your job.
Even though film sets typically have irregular schedules and irregular mealtimes, it’s still possible to maintain your health in the most fundamental ways while dealing with an abnormal schedule.
As a producer, Sam Haskell has seen how many actors and other crew members can lose track of their health while on set. Here are some quick tips to help you stay fit and healthy on the set.
1. Eat Right
Having access to tons of different kinds of food is a great benefit to working on set. However, since the variety of food is high you can be sure there will be many sugar and carb-heavy foods that won’t keep you fit, happy, and healthy.
To avoid the effects of these unhealthy foods, make sure to pick foods that will give you lasting energy rather than just a quick rush followed by a definite crash later on.
Fruits, vegetables, and protein-heavy foods like meat and dairy will have you feeling good all day and give you the energy you need.
Also, you will want to regulate your mealtime. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not arbitrary mealtimes. Your body needs energy all day long so making sure you start your day with a great meal, get in a clean lunchtime, and end your day with a solid meal. This is the best way to know that your body is getting all the nutrients it needs to be out of the day.
2. Hydrate
Everyone, even if you’re not on a movie set, forgets to drink enough water. While some have sit-down jobs where they can get away without feeling the effects of dehydration so heavily, those on film sets know that there is always energy-draining activity going on.
You will need a good amount of water throughout the day in order to keep your kidney functioning which keeps your waste filter system intact.
This can lead to other health problems including a decrease in your immune system’s effectiveness.
3. Rest
Like water, many people forget that rest is a crucial part of your health and fitness. Though your hours on a film set can be extremely irregular, you need to take every opportunity to get in naps. When you do have a night off, make sure you take advantage and get in at least eight hours of sleep.
Also, avoid sleeping pills as this may affect other areas of your body’s chemistry. These negative effects will nullify any sleep you actually get when taking the pills and could have long term effects.
These tips will help you keep your crazy on set schedule while still being able to keep your health as well. Keeps these tips in mind and you may begin to be happier, healthier, and more effective at your work.