Musicians have a lot on their plates. Those plates are especially full during a performance schedule. These four tips will help you to stay safe and keep it all together while performing.
The rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle has long been associated with many different negative influences. Even the strongest person may occasionally fall prey to one or more bad influences, given enough time and pressure. One action that you can take in order to keep it together while on a long tour or even during a single performance is to include people who are a positive influence in your life. Consider inviting your parents, siblings or significant other to your performances. Maybe one or more of these people could even travel with you while on the road. A grounding influence will make it easier for you to avoid situations that could be harmful to your reputation or your health.
It is also important to avoid alcohol and driving while intoxicated charges while performing. These criminal charges could quickly curtail your performance schedule. A DWI lawyer in Austin knows that the charges could also put a damper on your reputation. Many adults enjoy an adult beverage or two, especially to celebrate the conclusion of a special event. If your performance involves a party afterward, be sure to have the bartenders stop serving alcohol after a couple of hours. The bartenders should also deny beverage service to anyone who is intoxicated. Arrange for a designated driver ahead of time. You could also consider leaving your keys with a responsible adult and using a taxi service to get back to your hotel or house. Even if you took a limousine to your hotel, it would be less costly than a lawyer, bail and fines from an alcohol or DWI charge.
If you have a lot of performances scheduled, be sure to include plenty of time for breaks. Try to avoid doing more than three or four shows in a row if possible. For example, if you do three shows in one week, try to schedule three or four days off. Having a few days off gives your body the chance to rest and recover from the rigors of performing on stage for a crowd. Singers especially need this time off in order to avoid laryngitis, vocal cord nodules and other hazards of overuse of the voice. After doing a cross-country tour, plan for at least a couple of weeks off at home and perhaps another week as a vacation. This will give you the chance to reconnect with your family, catch up on sleep and get your creative juices flowing again.
Even though you may live for music and performing, you need to prioritize your physical and mental health. Take care of your body by eating nutritious foods and getting at least seven hours of sleep per day. Be sure to schedule checkups with your family doctor once per year and your dentist twice per year. Preventive care can help to identify potential health problems that could curtail your ability to perform on stage. Also be sure to take some “me” time for your mental health. Being on the road with strong personalities could take a toll on your mind. Go for hikes, read books or schedule a massage for relaxation.
Once you have achieved your dreams as a successful musician, you will need to continue doing your best. This includes being safe while on tour, and avoiding temptations that could impact your career. Sticking with positive influences and taking a break from the workload can help.