By Mitch Rice
The music business is a roller coaster of highs and lows, but it’s also packed with crazy pressures, unpredictable schedules, and endless demands. Even huge stars like Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake have opened up about the mental toll of fame, and industry vets are singing from the same hymn book about how important it is to take care of yourself. Whether you’re a musician, publicist, manager, or anything in between, keeping your head straight is just as crucial as nailing your craft. Seriously, looking after your mental health is as vital as perfecting your sound.
Spotting When Things Are Getting Too Much
Music pros deal with unique stresses like hitting creative blocks. Are you getting tension headaches before gigs, having disrupted sleep cycles from touring or late-night studio sessions, or do you get really upset when you get negative feedback, all signs that the pressure’s piling up.
Look out for things like avoiding projects you used to love, getting annoyed easily with your bandmates or colleagues, or wanting to just cut yourself off from everyone. These aren’t signs of weakness; they’re your brain telling you it needs a break.
Quick Ways to Get Back to Earth
When everything’s going crazy, like during album deadlines or between tour stops, some simple grounding tricks can help you refocus in minutes:
- The 5-4-3-2-1 Method: Try this during sound checks or before big meetings. Name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. Artists like Adele use this to calm pre-show jitters, and it’s awesome for pulling you back to the present when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Box Breathing: Perfect for backstage or studio breaks. Breathe in for four counts, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four. Do this five times before meetings, performances, or tough conversations. Lots of artists use breathing exercises as part of their creative routine.
- Setting an Intention: Every morning, before you even look at emails or social media, decide on one main goal for your day. This clears your head and helps you make decisions based on what really matters.
Setting Smart Boundaries
Set boundaries for yourself and stick to them. Learn to tell the difference between stuff that feels urgent and what’s actually important. Instead of saying yes immediately during busy recording periods or tour planning, try saying, “Let me check my schedule and get back to you.”
Set specific times for checking emails and social media instead of being glued to your phone 24/7. Make some parts of your day, like meals or creative sessions, phone-free zones. Protecting your time means saving your energy for what’s most important.
Your Body: The Ultimate Foundation for Your Mind
Your body is your instrument, whether you’re on stage or behind the scenes. Even short 10-minute walks between recording sessions can release tension and give you a boost. Stars like Taylor Swift fit in regular workouts to handle stress and keep their energy up during long tours.
Sleep quality often beats quantity, especially with crazy schedules. Beyoncé has talked about how crucial uninterrupted deep sleep is for her creativity and performance, so she makes it a non-negotiable part of her routine.
Eating smart helps your brain work better during long studio days. Keep healthy snacks handy during marathon recording sessions or while traveling. And while everyone’s hydration needs are different, staying well-hydrated helps with focus and mood when you’re working hard. Artists also rethink their daily caffeine habits, exploring the differences in coffee and mushroom coffee to see which one better supports steady focus without the crash during long rehearsals or studio sessions
Building Your Support System
Even though you’re surrounded by people, the music industry can feel pretty lonely. Connect with other pros who get what you’re going through. Join professional groups or online communities where you can share without judgment. Artists like Chance the Rapper and John Mayer have spoken about how connecting with fellow musicians gave them emotional support and even creative inspiration.
Find mentors who’ve been there, done that. Their advice can be a lifesaver during tough times. And don’t shy away from getting professional help. Lots of therapists specialize in creative industries and understand the specific pressures you face; Demi Lovato and Kid Cudi have openly talked about this.
Smart Ways to Recharge
“Preventing burnout means being proactive, not waiting until you’re completely wiped out,” says James Smith, who’s the Head of Community at the online vape store Discountvapepen.com. Schedule quick breaks throughout your day. Just five minutes of deep breathing, stretching, or stepping outside can reset your mental state.
According to Smith, plan longer breaks after intense projects or tours and use this time to do stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with music:
- Dive into a good book or catch up on movies
- Spend time in nature – a hike, a walk in the park, anything that gets you outdoors
- Pick up a new hobby that’s completely unrelated to music
- Hang out with friends and family just for fun.
“Coming back refreshed after a break means you can approach your music with renewed energy and fresh perspective that you simply can’t get when you’re running on empty.”
Creating Your Rituals
Set up consistent little routines that signal the end of work and the start of rest. This could be as simple as changing out of your studio clothes, taking a shower to “wash off” the day, or listening to specific music that helps you unwind. Producer Rick Rubin is famous for his meditation practices and creating calm spaces that boost creativity and reduce stress.
Morning rituals can set a positive tone for the day, and evening rituals can help you process what happened and get ready for good sleep.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.