Modelling is considered a glamorous profession where only the limelight is seen. But just like any other job, modelling too has its share of stress. When you are a model, there are a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders and people look up to you. Trying to be the perfect version of yourself creates a lot of stress and some people succumb to it. But it is okay, take it easy – you too are a human being, you cannot be perfect at all times. Just make sure that you understand the causes of yours stress and take necessary breaks so that your anxiety does not affect your career.

Don’t believe us that modelling can be stressful? Take a look….

Mirror can be your worst enemy: Many models succumb to the constant need to look good and end up developing a phobia that makes them look at the mirror every 5 mins or so. This is a literally a disorder that needs professional help. If you too have the signs it is necessary to take preventive steps as it is important for your mental well being. Models are normal human beings who can have a pimple or an injury mark or gain a kilo due to various reasons. Don’t fret over everything.

Models are required to constantly travel for shoots. Although a lot of people will say that travelling is fun, so why complain, but when you travel  most of the hours, it takes a toll on your body and in such situations, the well being of the individual gets affected. It is better to carry an ear plug and eye band so that you can rest a little even during hectic travels.

A model has to go on interviews all day long to look for jobs and look fresh at the same time. This is indeed quite a job given the tropical weather of India. Try to keep your makeup simple and carry a small kit for refreshing yourself instead of stressing about the outcome.

A model constantly needs to keep a check on her weight. She is required to watch her diet every single time so that she does not put on weight. Some models end up considering food as enemy and end up with serious eating disorders. Many models are anorexic because of not eating the required nutrients. They end up eating only one or two small meals per day. You need to ensure that you don’t end up doing that to yourself. No success is beautiful if your health is not with you.

There are unpredicted long working hours; if the photographer is not satisfied with the photos, he can ask the model for retakes of what may seem like same pose and this can continue for hours. Posing in front of the camera might seem cool but it is very exhausting as well since per day of shoot you might have to do as many as eight looks with each one including its own styling, makeup sessions and tons of poses.

The neck to neck competition and the fear of getting replaced if they commit a minor mistake cause a lot of stress among models. This is the most stressful of all as there is no job security in this industry. You also cannot change your lifestyle once you get used to the glamour and maintaining that is expensive.

Unwind and relax

No matter whatever the work situation is, you should occasionally take a break to calm your nerves. These are the ways in which you can relax:

Spend some time in nature

Travel from time to time
Take a break from social media and do some household chores instead
Listen to soft music
Focus on your present without worrying about the past or future
Spend time with friends and family. Having a pet is also very helpful
Write down your thoughts
Practise meditation

Utilize your break in a proper way

Here are a couple of things which you can do in your free time, which will help you in your career:

Educate yourself – Reading is a habit which will always come to your aid. When you have entered into a profession, you need to learn many things about the same. Models, you may enlighten yourself by reading blogs, acting books, researching on the internet, etc.

Establish contacts in the industry – You can have casual chats with casting agents, directors, and producers. Let them know that you are looking for work. Try to increase your social visibility quotient. The more you become noticeable, more will be your chances of getting work.

As a model, one must always remember that pressures and stress exist in every phase of life and if you stay alone, find a support system in your family members, parents or siblings and in your friends.Enjoy doing things which you like the most. It’s not true that in the industry you cannot make friends, it’s just you need to be friendly with good behavior without being arrogant.

Courtesy: www.modelsmust.com