Creatives use lots of energy – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Musicians may use the most energy of all because not only do they burn creative juices writing and playing music, but they also often have a grueling schedule that ranges from recordings to live performances.
If you are a musician, you know how taxing it can be. There are deadlines of all kinds, demanding fans, and performances to pour yourself into. It can be overwhelming.
If you’re worn out, it will be evident in your music. You owe it to yourself and your listeners to take care of yourself.
What is Self-Care for Artists
To properly define self-care, it’s important to say not only what it is…but what it isn’t. Self-care is NOT selfish. In fact, taking measures to take care of yourself one of the best things you can do for those you care about – including your fans and listeners.
Self-care is intentionally tending to your mental, spiritual, and emotional health to improve your overall well-being. Artist self-care goes a step further to develop habits that effectively manage your energy, so you avoid burnout and block.
Musician self-care is unique because you are physically giving all you have and that is impossible to continue doing if you aren’t refilling and refreshing.
Seven Self-Care Suggestions
Here are seven suggestions for managing your self-care to prevent burn-out:
- Personal Health and Hygiene
You probably have good hygiene in the first place but shedding a little more light on the subject can’t hurt. Daily showers, eating nutritionally, getting plenty of physical exercise outside of the studio or performance venues, and taking time to rest when you’re under the weather are all good examples of taking care of your health and hygiene.
- Take a Break
It’s important to take breaks like grabbing a cup of coffee cold drink between practice and performing. Longer breaks (aka vacations) are needed to so you can clear your mind for a period of time and come back rejuvenated. It’s hard to get away. Something is always pressing. By scheduling your break in advance, you’re much more likely to actually take one.
- Sleep
Sleep is something most musicians don’t get enough of. From late night gigs to early morning meetings, it’s easy to burn the candle at both ends. Your body isn’t designed to be sleep deprived though. It will make you irritable and eventually will cause you to get sick. You won’t be near as creative and inspired if you are tired and sleepy. Sleep boosts creativity. It strengthens your immune system and regenerates your brain. As best you can, work sleep into your busy schedule by making it a priority.
- Declutter
Clutter takes up mental space and interferes with ora. It’s exhausting. By decluttering your home, studio, car, and your mind, you’ll have more energy to spare. You’ll soon see that you just feel lighter without all the things weighing you down. It’s much easier to focus without all the mess around you. Plus, you’ll be better able to find things. Once you’ve decluttered and organized, might as well dust and run the vacuum cleaner too. The nicer you keep the areas around you, the more at peace you’ll find you are.
- ME Time
Taking time to do the things YOU want to do is imperative. What, other than music, do you like to do? Working out, swimming, riding your bike, or hiking are all great activities that will refresh you. Go get a pedicure or a massage. Treat yourself to a shopping trip or a showing at the theater. Even if it’s just kicking back and watching a movie or immersing yourself in a hot bubble bath with a good book, do it. Activities are important but it’s also a good idea to find a hobby other than music so you can put your musical self to rest for a while and focus on something else. A hobby differs from an activity because it is something you really get into and do regularly such as gardening, glassblowing, sewing, or painting.
- Connections
People need people. Musicians typically fall into one of two personality types – outgoing or reclusive. Regardless of if you are an outgoing person who loves being with others or are a loner, you need connections with humans, preferably positive minded ones. Failure to connect can lead to depression. Make sure your circle extends outside the band so you don’t eat, sleep, and breath nothing but music.
- Affirmations
Giving yourself positive vibes and affirmation is an essential part of musician self-care. You are constantly putting all you are in the spotlight to be judged. It’s important that you lift yourself high enough up that no one can knock you down. Leave yourself notes here and there reminding yourself how awesome you are. Listen to positive thinking podcasts. Read self-help motivational books. Hang out with people who encourage you and feed your spirit. Meditating every day is a wonderful idea too.
The Truth About Artist Self-Care
It’s natural to neglect self-care because you feel you don’t have time to spare. Investing in yourself is priceless though. It’s imperative for you to do it because no one else can do it for you.
When it comes to creativity, what goes in is what comes out. Taking care of yourself will pay off ten-fold in the end. When you steal a little ME time, you’ll find you are so inspired, creativity will flow effortless. Whether you’re wiring lyrics, singing tunes, or playing an instrument, you’ll be better at it.
Talent can only go so far. If you’re running on empty, your performance will suffer. You will end up with nothing to give out. Refuel, revive, and refresh. By giving yourself permission to take some time to yourself, you will feel like a brand new person – full of life and creativity. Then (and only then) can you give back to your family, friends, fans, and listeners.