Dancers, it is normal to be dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about everything you do. Sometimes that need to get better and keep pushing takes a toll. Overworking yourself can lead to new or continued injuries, falling out of love with the sport, and getting mentally tired. Here is what you should look out for and what do if you find that you have overworked yourself.
Signs You’re Overworking Yourself
1. You’re Constantly tired
If you are constantly feeling tired even after sleeping throughout the whole night or taking naps, this may be a sign that your exhaustion requires more attention.
2. You Have Continuous Pain or Injuries
It is normal to have sore muscles, and the occasional injury is unavoidable. However, if you are getting easily injured or the same injuries keep popping up, it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate your routine.
3. You Feel Unmotivated.
If you are the type of dancer who is self-motivated with so much passion and drive, yet you feel like you don’t want to practice or do much of anything, that is a big indicator that you are overworking yourself.
4. You Have a Hard Time Regulating Your Emotions.
When you start to feel unhappy with yourself or what you do, it is normal to start experiencing mood swings. This may mean you are quick to get grumpy or even angry or that your moods shift rapidly from happy to upset to nothing at all.
5. You Struggle to Perform.
If you notice yourself struggling to pick up choreography or you aren’t dancing as well as you usually do, this can be a sign that you’re piling too much on, overloading your working memory and your body.
Steps to Address These Issues
1. Take Rest Days.
Making sure to give yourself a break in between days in the week makes a huge difference. Make it a priority to give yourself a couple of days a week to just rest. No working out. No dancing. Do something that will get you thinking about something other than dance.
2. Stay Rested.
Try going to sleep earlier or taking naps throughout the day if possible. Sleep is one of the best things you can do to recover mentally and physically from the effort that dance requires.
3. Talk It Out.
Talk to someone you trust such as a parent or dance instructor. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk it out and seek advice on what you are struggling with, big or small.
4. Stay Fueled.
Dance takes a lot out of your body, so it is important to give back to yourself. This means staying fueled and hydrated. Eat lots of protein, fruits, and veggies, and don’t forget the carbs since you burn those off at dance!
Treat your body and mind with kindness. It deserves it, and so do you!
