(For me that’s food! And oils! And a Magic Circle, but more on that later)
I’ve been on a bit of a journey in my life when it comes to packing! I’ve paid
excess in airports due to overweight luggage, I’ve dragged oversized baggage over cobbled streets in California, I’ve fished my giant suitcases from Venice waterlogged alleyways, and traveled concerts sized harps over the Pacific Ocean. In contrast I’ve also spent 8 days on a remote island in Greece with no luggage at all (due to the airline losing it) and travelled to festivals with nothing but a bum bag around my waist.
I think I can honestly say I’ve done it really badly at times, but also, there’s been moments when I’ve NAILED it.
Is there anything more satisfying than coming back home, unpacking and smugly saying to yourself “Yep! I used every single item in this case, I did it all Just right!”
However, when it comes to packing for work related trips away, especially if you are working in a remote and unpredictable environment, every item must have a purpose, and every decision on clothes and stuff you throw in, must ensure you are ready for whatever comes your way.
You can’t be miserable in work as a WBF because you are drenched working in the rain all day and all you have is your flip flops and denim jacket!
To be there supporting cast and crew, on location shoots – you must be ‘on it’ with thoughtful packing – so you can focus on providing the best support to your team, fostering a productive and positive environment wherever you go.
If I’m cold, or too hot, without the things that bring me harmony and balance, feeling miserable and unprepared, I most certainly won’t be championing a positive working culture.
So, packing for success as a Wellbeing Facilitator on location shoots for reality TV productions involves balancing your professional needs with personal comfort. Each item in your suitcase should serve a clear purpose, whether it’s making sure you have suitable footwear, or maintaining your own wellbeing, it’s all ensuring you’re prepared for any scenario.
The first thing that goes in is my magic circle! It fits at the bottom and can cope with all the weight of the rest of the items. It’s a Pilates resistance ring that improves body awareness, and increases resistance, but weighs hardly anything. I also put a resistance band in as they don’t take up any space and they help me unwind and connect to my body after or before a day’s work. Inevitably then my yoga mat comes with me EVERYWHERE, as I know I have that space to visit any time of day when I need to connect and breathe.
A bottle of Olive Oil and some Halen Môn, and Hot Sauce, will be carefully wrapped in towels and then in a plastic bag to ensure there’s no spillage, and this combo I will carry everywhere. I will make sure I buy Lemons nearby and with these four items, I know I am going to be fine, food wise no matter what I’m served on location. You can pimp anything up with salt, lemon, olive oil and some hot sauce!
On the subject of food, I also carry a boil in the bag Dal Tadka. Really nourishing, so comforting and brings me so much warmth and contentment. If all you have is a kettle, I quite often pop it in the kettle after it’s boiled to warm up, like I do with an egg to boil it. I find it challenging with no cooking facilitates so this way I’m happy.
Citricidal grapefruit seed extract is always with me. From a digestive support remedy to a face > skin > even intimate cleanser, this extract must be diluted. It’s a very strong and natural super power liquid that you can use as mouthwash and pop in your water to detox and cleanse.
I love sipping tea from my own mug. I’ll bring a porcelain but not too precious mug with me so I can at least have some comfort wherever I am.
A book of poems (like Ted Hughes’s Crow) or short stories is helpful to dip in and out of and enjoy escapism after filming. I always bring novels and at least 5 books and of course…there is NEVER time and then I’m too knackered after long days to focus on great big stories. But I love either waking up and having a quick read or snuggling in bed all cozy with something easy and inspiring to read.
I’m very into Ayurveda and would bring some potent mixtures of Trikatu and Triphala to ensure my agni (my fire) my belly and gut are in balance and digestion is happy. You don’t always eat what you actually want on location, so sprinkling some trikatu on my food really helps to absorb nutrients.
Of course, waterproof shoes and warm woolly jumpers, also a vest for when the sun comes out when you least expect it, the odd shell suit and dungarees. I always remember my flip flops or sliders for ease and comfort when in my own space.
But the most important thing is to be comfy, stay warm, dress in layers, and pack all the items that bring you the most joy.
Happy shooting!
Written by 6ft From The Spotlight WellBeing Facilitator Lisa Jen Brown.
