Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/four-reel-films-lying-on-white-table-Lq6rcifGjOU
by Nancy Fernandez
When we think of movie stars, our minds often jump to red carpets, glamorous photoshoots, and perfectly delivered lines on screen. But behind the glitz and glamour lies an intense world of long working hours, demanding roles, and exhausting shoots. Maintaining focus and energy during this chaos isn’t easy—even for the most seasoned actors.
So what really helps them stay sharp and in the zone during a 16-hour day on set? Surprisingly, it’s not all yoga and green juice. Today’s actors are blending traditional wellness with new-age focus tools to keep their edge. Let’s take a look behind the curtain.
The Demands of Filming
Before we dive into what helps them stay focused, it’s important to understand the demands of a film set. Shooting a film often involves waking up before dawn, waiting around for hours between scenes, memorizing pages of dialogue, and switching emotional gears at a moment’s notice. Factor in time zone changes, back-to-back interviews, and the physical toll of action sequences, and you’ve got a recipe for burnout.
That’s why focus, stamina, and mental clarity are critical tools for survival in the film industry. And that’s also why many actors develop personal rituals and tools that help them stay sharp.
Healthy Habits and Routines
Many stars turn to healthy routines to maintain balance and focus during hectic shoots. These include:
Meditation and Mindfulness: Actors like Hugh Jackman and Zendaya have spoken openly about their use of mindfulness to stay present during intense filming schedules. A few minutes of deep breathing between scenes can make a big difference in maintaining mental clarity.
Nutritional Support: Meal prepping and maintaining a balanced diet is essential. Many actors travel with personal chefs or meal kits to ensure they’re getting enough protein, healthy fats, and brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3s.
Sleep Hygiene: Despite their busy schedules, successful actors prioritize sleep whenever possible. They may use blackout curtains, white noise apps, or travel pillows to catch quality rest in trailers, hotel rooms, or on flights.
The Focus Toolkit: Caffeine and Beyond
Of course, coffee remains a go-to for many. But as people become more conscious of caffeine crashes and jitters, there’s been a shift toward alternatives that offer focus without side effects.
Matcha and Green Tea: Containing L-theanine along with caffeine, these drinks provide a smoother energy lift, which many actors prefer before emotionally intense scenes.
Adaptogens: Supplements like ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea, and lion’s mane mushroom have made their way into wellness routines for supporting stress resilience and mental clarity.
Nicotine Pouches: A growing number of adults, including those in high-performance professions like acting, are turning to nicotine pouches as a discreet and smoke-free way to boost focus. These pouches provide a mild stimulant effect that can help with concentration during long takes or downtime on set. For those who already use nicotine or are looking to transition from smoking, these pouches offer a convenient alternative.
This is also why there has been increased online interest around options to buy snus or other similar tobacco-free nicotine pouch products—especially among those seeking clean, odorless options that won’t interfere with filming environments.
Staying Focused Without Distractions
Film sets can be chaotic. Between the crew moving lights, multiple takes, and last-minute changes in the script, distractions are constant. That’s why some actors work with focus coaches or use cognitive behavioral strategies to keep themselves anchored in the moment.
For example:
Visualization Techniques: Before shooting a critical scene, actors may close their eyes and visualize every movement and line delivery to prepare themselves mentally.
Noise-Canceling Headphones: To drown out ambient noise between scenes, many performers use high-end headphones to listen to instrumental music or white noise, helping them stay locked in before filming.
Digital Detox: Scrolling through social media is a common time-waster. Many actors put their phones on airplane mode or leave them in their trailers to avoid distractions while preparing for intense scenes.
Personal Rituals That Promote Mental Sharpness
Everyone has their own quirks—and Hollywood stars are no different. Some actors swear by certain rituals that help them get in the zone and stay focused:
Journaling Before a Scene: Writing down their character’s thoughts or emotional state helps actors dive deeper into their roles.
Chewing Gum or Using Mints: Not just for fresh breath, chewing helps stimulate the brain and maintain alertness.
Pre-Scene Workouts: A quick burst of movement—jumping jacks, push-ups, or yoga—can enhance circulation and awaken the body before a big moment.
Essential Oils: Scents like peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus have been used by actors as natural focus aids while waiting in trailers or prepping for a shoot.
The Role of Modern Wellness Products
As Hollywood evolves, so do the tools and products its stars rely on. Many are leaning into biohacking and science-backed performance tools, from nootropic supplements to wearable tech that tracks sleep and heart rate variability.
Nicotine pouches, in particular, have quietly gained popularity due to their ease of use and fast-acting effects. Unlike traditional tobacco, these pouches are discreet, smokeless, and don’t carry the same social stigma—making them ideal for use on closed film sets where smoking is prohibited.
Of course, everyone’s focus strategy is personal. What works for one actor may not work for another. The key is finding a system that supports both their mental sharpness and overall well-being without interfering with performance or the environment around them.
