A musician’s overall health is essential as the body must be in good shape. However, stress can prevent this from being a reality. From tours both home and abroad to hectic schedules, anxiety from performance, the paparazzi, and hate comments, musicians face challenges that build up as stress in their lives.
Although a small dose of stress may be okay for providing the energy and alertness needed in recording sessions, it should not be excessive. Otherwise, it can aggravate and cause damage to the mental and physical health, productivity, and mood of the musician.
Stress must be identified early enough and dealt with before it becomes chronic.
To make this possible, here are some health tips to help musicians fight stress
1. Relaxation exercises: As a musician, you will need to train yourself to relax by engaging in relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation.
2. Engage in physical exercises: If you are not a fan of the usual kind of exercise, you can jog, run, or engage in brisk walking. It helps the body to release any built-up tension that could be accumulated as a result of stress. Exercise allows for the release of endorphins which can increase mental alertness.
3. Take breaks: Go on a vacation, have regular periods you take during rehearsals where you may not work on anything music. Also, refrain from taking jobs at odd hours like at nights or periods where you know you’ve reached your limit.
4. Build a support system: Maintain strong relationships with your family and friends. You can release the pressure on you just by socializing with them. They can also be a source of support to you during overwhelming situations. Where you’re away from home, do well to contact them through phone calls or emails.
5. Do something new: Break away from your everyday routine and try something new. You could write songs or test the waters of your creativity.
More importantly, ensure you speak up if you feel signs of chronic stress. Contact any primary health care or treatment facility that specializes in performing artists and musicians.