For many, going out on the road as a touring musician is nothing short of a dream. Traveling from place to place, playing to adoring crowds, and having the ability to make money doing the thing that you love is, after all, about as good as it gets.
With that said, anyone who has been on tour before will tell you that it’s not always as glamorous as it first appears. It can be repetitive, it can be boring, and it can absolutely take a toll on your well-being.
You can’t always do much about the repetitive or boring side of touring, but you absolutely can take steps to ensure that it doesn’t impact your physical and mental health. Below, we’ll run through some of the most effective strategies that should help ensure you return home from your tour in tip-top condition.
Sleep plays a vital role in helping your mind, body, and soul be at their best. Alas, it’s something that all too many musicians struggle with. Most concerts run late into the night, and many find it difficult to sleep once the sun comes up. One night of poor sleep is manageable; an entire tour of poor sleep is not.
Prioritizing sleep, rather than just hoping it happens, can make all the difference. This can involve putting together a calming post-show routine, investing in quality earplugs/eyemasks, and taking sleep supplements, which can all make getting 6 – 8 hours of sleep easier.
It’s important for concert attendees to take steps to protect their hearing, but when you’re the one on stage? Then it’s extra essential. Musicians aren’t just exposed to dangerously loud volumes; they’re exposed to them every single night, for the whole duration of the tour. That makes ensuring that you have a hearing-health plan in place an outright necessity. Regular hearing tests for musicians are non-negotiable, and should take place both before and after the tour (as well as on an annual basis). When on tour, wearing custom-moulded earplugs is generally considered to be the best option when playing live. Once the show is over, give your ears a much-needed break from noise; they will appreciate 12 – 18 hours of relative silence.
Playing gigs can be a workout in itself, but there’s value in seeking out non-music-based physical activity. Not only will it help to provide a full body workout, but it can also do wonders for keeping your stress levels in check. Even short 20-minute workouts can make a difference.
Eating fast food is fine once in a while, but if you eat it all day, every day, for every single meal? Then there’s a high chance you’ll be returning home from tour in poorer physical condition than you’d like to. Learning the art of eating well while on tour really can make a big difference, impacting your energy levels and mood. This article outlines some tips on how touring artists can eat well while on the road.
P.S. Before you zip off to your next Internet pit stop, check out these 2 game changers below - that could dramatically upscale your life.
1. Check Out My Book On Enjoying A Well-Lived Life: It’s called "Your To Die For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out." Think of it as your life’s manual to cranking up the volume on joy, meaning, and connection. Learn more here.
2. Life Review Therapy - What if you could get a clear picture of where you are versus where you want to be, and find out exactly why you’re not there yet? That’s what Life Review Therapy is all about.. If you’re serious about transforming your life, let’s talk. Learn more HERE.
Think about subscribing for free weekly tools here.
No SPAM, ever! Read the Privacy Policy for more information.
