Beating the Blues

Modeling can lead to emotional burnout pretty quick.  There’s only so much someone can take before they want to just hang it up and move on.  I imagine this comes from the rejection a model faces regularly, as well as the fact that modeling is very much about one’s looks (including their skin, face, hair, and body), and that models are often criticized.  So sometimes, models get emotionally burned out, and need a little encouragement, even if it comes from within.  Here are some ways I’ve found work for me when it comes to beating the modeling blues.  Feel free to add your own in the comments!

• Review your photos, especially the ones you feel are your best, look at tear sheets (if you have any) and other successes you’ve had as a model, and otherwise remind yourself that, hey, you’re good at what you do.  If you weren’t, you wouldn’t have all that stuff!
• Sometimes, stepping away for a bit can be the best cure.  It might just mean a night or a weekend away from the forums, Facebook, and other modeling-related stuff, or it might mean a break from modeling entirely for a little.  That’s up to you.  But a break from things might be what you need.
• Other times, pushing yourself to create something new and different can also help get you back on top of your game.  Try a new concept, or push yourself into a really complicated pose.  Try out new hair, makeup and wardrobe, or shoot a style you’ve never done before.  Work with someone you know can deliver great shots, and work to create something new and better for yourself.  The results might be just the boost you need!
• Writing helps me.  Often I just start a new blog draft and get my thoughts out.  Sometimes, I end up deleting it, but other times it turns into something worth publishing.
• A glass of wine, a hot bath, and getting lost in a good book always cheers me up.  Sometimes, I even grab an old favorite off the shelf and read it cover to cover.
• Going for a drive can help clear my mind.  As can taking the dog for a walk, or even sitting in front of the TV and doing something crafty.  Concentrating my energy on something that’s not modeling related can be a big help.
• Retail therapy.  Even if I don’t buy anything, I find it comforting to go to the mall and browse, or grab a coffee and people-watch.  I often prefer to do this alone.
• Along those lines, Ugly Dress Game with a friend or two can be hella fun!
• If something’s really bothering me, I’ll often use my husband as a sounding board.  He’s got a level head on his shoulders and will tell me if I’m being a tard about something, if I’m over-reacting, or if my feelings are just.  And sometimes, talking things out helps them make sense too.