Hi Everyone,

To me, the hardest part about filming is all the hours of WAITING between takes.

How do you keep your energy up during long waits?

Can anyone here recommend natural energy drinks, for example? Especially ones with more fruits and veggies in them, NOT sugar?

I try not to overload on caffeine or sugar for energy because it makes me too jittery and screws up my sleep.

I'm especially vulnerable if shooting is at night because I have natural energy throughout the day. THANKS!

Naked Juice makes a whole line of natural "energy" juices without caffeine or added sugar. Not sure about how much pep they pack... guess it depends on who you are. But they taste wonderful. I'd drink 'em all the time if I could afford it.

I don't know about anyone else, but I often try to CONSERVE my energy during a shoot. I just usually kick back in my trailer or dressing room with the script, and chill.

If not having enough energy is an issue, I'd stick to fresh fruit or protein drinks, which are metabolized much more slowly and extend your energy curve throughout the day. Pigging out at the lunch table isn't a good idea, either -- having to digest all that chow will make you even more lethargic. Stay away from the bagels and sugary donuts, and yes, too much caffeine during the day will tend to give you the "jitters."

“Whatever works.”

www.robertkim.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647/

Thanks to you both for responding. I didn't know NAKED made juices without sugar. Good to know.

I think also balancing drinking water, fruits and veggies, and stretching are all great options.

I worked with one well-known actress who became Queen of the Power Naps on an indie that we shot. Amazing what even a quick cat nap can do to recharge you!

I make sure that I take B vitamins and Omega-3 fish oil (in addition to my regular daily vitamins) the first thing on days that I know will be long.

I heard about that Five-Hour Energy product but have not tried it. I have a friend that loves it though:

http://www.5hourenergy.com/5hrdecaf.asp

I am only mentioning this as an option and not an endorsement.

Personally, I am sticking to the B vitamins and fish oil. The Five-Hour stuff is too expensive and it appears to be mostly B vitamins anyway.

Many people believe that vitamins provide energy.

They do not. Taking them without food in your system is a total waste, as they will pass through without effect. They only work in conjunction with food, and only food provides caloric energy.

Most "energy drinks" are expensive rip-offs, snake oil. Many are loaded with sugar and caffeine, providing a temporary lift, then a debilitating let down. The rest are nothing more than liquid vitamin-mineral supplements that you could obtain far cheaper and better from other sources.

Complex carbs and protein (which are metabolized much slower) are by far the most viable, inexpensive and healthy option.

“Whatever works.”

www.robertkim.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647

Since i started acting i also became a health food and fitness nut. Weirdly enough apples are proven to "Wake" you up more so than a cup of coffee. I have used 5 hour energy and it works for an hour or 2 then you need to find a bed, and i mean quick! Stick to fruits, vegetables and OJ. Vitamin C =Deliciousness plus alertness. If you have a rumbly in your tummy eat some protein, because that acts as a fuel for your body. Grilled chicken has alot of it and is considerably more healthy than a hamburger but both get the job done you can also pick up very thinly sliced steak to make "Steak sandwiches" which are delicious, have protein and is cheap. I think you can make up to 4 sandwiches for under 3 bucks. For a long shoot if you have 20 or 30 minutes try either a power nap, or a quick jog. If your tired it will be hard to start but your body will react and will give you a boost of energy.

Thanks for the suggestions, Everyone!

Robert: Funny you should bring up these energy drinks. I had a co-worker who would down 3 or 4 Red Bulls a day. Drank it like water! He eventually ended up in the hospital.

Matthew: Unfortunately a lot of these OJs are PACKED with tons of sugar too. I used to drink a lot until I realized how sugary they were. Now I basically stick to water and fruit/veggies. Bananas are fantastic when you need something. Fill you up and have tons of fiber. Yogurts good too.

I tend to just kick back in my trailer and keep hydrated... seems to work for me.

Try working in a teaspoon of honey when you know you gana have a long night or just when you feel run down.Put the honey under your tounge a let it set for a minute or 2. and make sure its pure honey.

quote:

Originally posted by littlemonkey:
Thanks for the suggestions, Everyone!

Robert: Funny you should bring up these energy drinks. I had a co-worker who would down 3 or 4 Red Bulls a day. Drank it like water! He eventually ended up in the hospital.

Matthew: Unfortunately a lot of these OJs are PACKED with tons of sugar too. I used to drink a lot until I realized how sugary they were. Now I basically stick to water and fruit/veggies. Bananas are fantastic when you need something. Fill you up and have tons of fiber. Yogurts good too.

Take some centrums then.

During overnight shoots, I have water and gum. If I can grab a meal and soda, I'm grateful. I also tend to talk up the people around me so time is spent just sharing war stories, people-watching, networking, things like that. I also remind myself that this is part of the path I've chosen and wanted since I was a little kid. So while observing the A-list actors firsthand, and in between takes, I just practice gratitude and patience. Those who complain about being bored or being tired, etc. are those who just bring the energy down so I stay away from that and don't add to it.

In response to the original question:

I would just try to stay focused and remember you are there because it is your passion, the moment you have been waiting for (through all those submitted head shots, auditions, etc.)

I guess I say that, because whenever I am on set, I never seem to be lacking in energy (granted I am yet to do an overnight shoot, but I have had some REALLy long days). I had a day of shooting where I had not slept before even, which I know was not smart, but my point is that I was so thrilled to be there, that drive just kept me going and on my A game.

It's funny, I get a lot of the cast/crew always coming up to me and saying, "Can I get some of what you are on?" Haha I always get a kick out of that.

If I have a break between scenes, I am usually trying to pay attention to some other technical aspect so I can learn about the process as a whole, and better understand it, or am reviewing my lines.

My problem energy-wise always arises when we wrap for the day... that's when I get really tired. Of course it is always so hard to get out of bed the next day, but then you get on set and WHA BAM, it starts all over again!

I'm currently doing night shoots, done 2 nights so far with several to go, and I find that eating protein, staying hydrated and staying away from junk foods and excessive sugar really helps, in addition to all-natural JuicePlus Vitamins. I also try not to watch the time and talk to others about anything other than how late it is. I'm the type that is so happy to be there, even when it's background, that when asked to stay while others can leave, I'm always one of the ones who volunteers to stay. Silly me!

I like to listen to this new CD I bought called PLAY THIS by June Rochelle. I like the song God Is Good.

cdbaby.com/junerochelle