As a musician, there is nothing that comes close to performing live. If you’re about to hit the road and go on tour, getting to travel the world and reach new audiences will bring all sorts of highs. However, to have the adventure of a lifetime, you need to put your health and wellbeing before anything else.
Whether it’s spending endless hours in transit, sleeping in substandard accommodation, or squabbling with other band members, there are challenges you’ll face during your time away.
Here are some survival tips that all first-time touring musicians can benefit from, helping you to return home with a smile on your face.
Communicate
If you’re going on tour as a band, it’s vital that communication lines stay open from start to finish. When away from home, being in close quarters with fellow musicians can soon take its toll.
Small problems can soon turn sour, so to avoid arguments and tempers rising, you need to communicate with one another and respect each other’s personal space. Inevitably, there will be some disputes along the way. However, it’s how you deal with the situation that matters.
Get Enough Sleep
As a musician, you’ll be fully aware of the fact that touring and the typical 9-5 don’t mix at all. With all your shows being at night, your body clock will be all over the place, especially if you’re not getting back to your hotel room until gone midnight.
What’s more, all the adrenaline from the show will have lasting effects, making it difficult to drift off. You need to be getting plenty of sleep each night, not only for keeping your energy levels up, but for helping you to perform at your best. Before touring life begins, investing in the best mattress will help the journey get off to a good start.
Eat Well
You need to fuel your body with the right foods while on tour. While it’s easy and convenient to stick with junk foods to keep you going, you’ll soon feel lethargic and rundown over time. When hitting the stage, you want to be focused and full of energy to give audiences a night they’ll never forget, so watching what you eat is important.
Following a balanced diet and ensuring you’re getting plenty of vitamins, nutrients and proteins will keep you functioning at your best.
Have Time for Yourself
If you’re away from home for several months, you need to have some time away from the hustle and bustle of touring life. Whether you go for a walk on your own, watch a film, listen to music, or have a relaxing bath, make sure you prioritize self-care while on the road. It’s normal to get homesick while on tour, so doing things you enjoy will keep your spirits up.
Stay Active
While being on a tour bus can be exciting, sitting down for too long won’t do your back any favors. Whether you’re in a small transit van or have the luxury of being on board a huge coach, you need to get into the habit of exercising daily.
Staying active is critical for keeping your energy levels and morale up. When stopping at gas stations, use this time to your advantage. Doing some stretches and jumping jacks will get your blood pumping.
If you’re staying in hotels, there may be on-site gyms you can use too. You’ll want to look and feel your best when in front of an audience, so making physical exercise a priority is a must.
Before you pack your case and head off on your touring adventure, the guide above will teach you how to survive and thrive on the road
