6 Self-Care Resolutions for Musicians in the New Year
Kick of your year by changing replacing bad habits with good ones and sticking to these six essential self-care tips.
via Dotted Music
As a musician, taking care of your body and mind is paramount. But pursuing a career in music doesn’t always seem conducive to a healthy lifestyle! If you’re a musician, it can take a little extra effort to put self-care first. Dotted Music can help you promote your music and grow your audience while taking some responsibilities off of your own plate. Plus, here’s how to prioritize self-care, even when you’re on the road.
Move Your Body Offstage
If you’re on stage every night, you might feel like you’re already getting enough physical activity. But making it a point to move your body during the day can help you break up long hours on the tour bus or in a car. Find out which of your tour stops, or towns along your route, are ranked as the most pedestrian-friendly. Keep an eye out for neighborhoods with walk scores of 70 or higher – these will be great places to hop out and stretch your legs!
Seek Help for Substance Abuse
When you’re a touring musician, you’ll almost inevitably end up spending lots of time around people with substance abuse habits – and it’s all too easy to fall into these patterns yourself. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to take some time away from the road and invest in a stay in rehab.
There’s no denying the fact that rehab can be pricey. Thankfully, most rehab facilities do accept insurance from major providers. If you’re not sure about your specific coverage, get in touch with your insurance company to ask. As you research potential facilities that accept your insurance or free substance abuse treatment options, you’ll want to research different factors like the accommodations, their approach to treatment, where the facility is located, and what their previous patients have to say about their experiences.
Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule
It’s tough to get enough sleep when you’re on tour. To make sure you’re well-rested, Theatre Art Life recommends giving yourself a “bedtime” and creating a comfortable sleeping environment, even if it’s not entirely private! This might mean turning down social invitations after shows at times.
Eat Nutritious Meals
Chances are, you’re going out to eat pretty often while touring, or stopping at fast-food places for convenient meals. To eat a healthier diet and feel energized during your shows, Music Industry How To recommends keeping a cooler stocked with fruits and veggies at all times, grabbing lunch at grocery stores or restaurants with healthier options, and packing protein-filled snacks for lasting energy.
Stay Hydrated
You’re up on stage every night – and whether you’re singing or not, you need to stay hydrated! Make sure to drink plenty of water while you’re on the tour bus and after your shows. You might want to keep teas with honey, ginger, and lemon on hand to soothe your throat.
Try Virtual Therapy
What if you’re struggling with your mental health, but you’ve never been able to consistently see a therapist because you’re always on the road? You don’t have to keep struggling on your own. Instead, you might want to consider seeking out a therapist who offers their services online. You can look into several online therapy platforms and read reviews before committing to a particular therapist. You’ll be able to speak with your therapist no matter where you are!
You can improve as a musician without neglecting your health. You don’t have to ignore self-care! With these tips, you’ll be able to get more exercise, seek treatment for substance abuse if you need it, and stick with healthy habits on tour.
