I’m just going get straight to it. Upon reflection, this tour was a steep learning curve for me. I’ve come out the other end wiser (I hope) and have more experience under my belt. I’ve learnt the hard way what happens when you don’t practice self-care and faced some realities about the lifestyle of touring. This is my analysis to things that I learnt from the past couple of months.
1. GETTING ENOUGH AND DECENT SLEEP IS CRUCIAL
This sounds so basic but I SHIT YOU NOT it is literally the most important thing. I discovered that I am actually an incredibly light sleeper. When I was unable to fall asleep properly on the bus due to movement and sound, I really had to figure out a couple of tricks to get me to sleep. Also, knowing when to nap and listen to your body when you are lacking sleep is super important. The effects of long-term sleep deprivation include memory loss, anxiety, emotional stress, strain on your voice, and just in general shitty moods. After days and days of broken sleep I would turn into an absolute emotional wreck. If I can give you one piece of solid advice, it is – make sure you always catch up on sleep when you can, and try and get a good bed time routine in (chamomile tea, wind down, stretches, sleeping pill, whatever it is). Try not to eat just before you go to bed (lol easier said than done).
2. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO GET DAILY EXERCISE/SOME FORM OF MOVEMENT AND MINDFULNESS
Touring around this time of the year, because it snows and it is bloody freezing in some parts of Europe and the states, it’s very easy to go from the bus/hotel straight into the venue and be inside all day. Therefore, the amount of time spent being active is quite small. When you have heaps of excess energy it can drive you stir crazy, or for me it meant I had trouble falling asleep at night. Exercise is really good for combating anxiety so even if you go for a walk that’s great, but it’s also even better if you can get your heart rate up. Someone recently suggested to me doing one of those full body 15 min workouts if you can find a space to do it in. If you can aim for exercise a couple of days in the week you are doing great! If you freak out by the idea of ‘exercise’ just go for a big wander and explore whatever area you are in. If you can also set aside time in the day to meditate and reflect, it does wonders for you.
3. ACCEPT THAT YOU WON'T ALWAYS FEEL PRODUCTIVE
I drove myself crazy trying to accomplish things on this tour and it took me a while to realise that sometimes you need to go with the flow. The nature of touring means you won’t always be able to get work done. When you turn up in a different city every day, for the most part you want to go exploring. Some days I would wake up at 11am having gone to bed at 2am, and not slept properly I was waking up really sore and tired. With sound check at 4 or 5pm, half the day was gone and I lost motivation to get any real work done. I did feel like a zombie for the first half of the tour. If you can set really small goals for each day or each week that is a good start. Keep it simple and don’t set yourself up for failure with heaps of expectations. It’s ok to just do the show, that is what you are there to do – perform! Focus on that and be present in that moment and take each day as it comes. I will be doing a post next week on creative block so check that out if you want to learn more.
4. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A SUPPORT NETWORK AND KNOW HOW TO SELF SOOTHE
When the going gets tough, who do you lean on? When you’re in a different time zone and can’t get onto your close friends or family, how do you deal with a situation? Part of touring is being independent but sometimes you never know what situation you might be presented with. It is important to develop self-coping mechanisms and strategies such as keeping a journal, having a comfort food, knowing when you need space, or knowing what it is you can do when you're upset or stressed. Maybe there is someone you are touring with that you can talk to about anything. There is nothing worse than struggling and feeling alone and lost on tour. Never feel ashamed if you are struggling. If you are really struggling, find someone who can listen and support you. You will be vulnerable at some point on the tour so don’t be embarrassed. Everyone is dealing with their own stuff and I found at times, even though I wanted to maintain a certain amount of professionalism, shit gets real and you have to be honest about opening up if you need help. Being on tour is not like a 9 to 5 job where you can go home and be alone after a day in the office. Being on tour, you live on a bus with 8-16 people, who are going to see you at your best and your worst. Maybe because I am still new at touring, I feel over time I will get better at these things. Also remember Support Act is a fantastic resource, and is there 24/7.
5. JUST BE YOU
Always stand up for yourself and your values and morals. Stand up for what is important to you and have integrity. If you always do your best, that is the best you can do. If you start second guessing yourself or start to experience low self-esteem, do things to 'gee' up your confidence and fake it till you make it. YOU GOT THIS. If you have a bad gig and make some mistakes, let it go and make the next show better. If you are having a bad day, try and be aware and conscious not to project that onto other people and to be responsible for your outward energy. Always try to bring your best to the table and good vibes when possible!
6. BE KIND
And if someone ain’t kind back, just remember that that is a reflection of them not you. That being said, if you have a problem with anything, don’t let it stew. Try to settle it in a calm and constructive way so you can move on with doing your job and find a solution. If something doesn’t sit with you, say it. Don’t let what other people think of you get you down. Practice patience, be humble and don’t be a dickhead. Never put up with shitty or rude behaviour, and recognise when to let things go.
6. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Remember why you are on tour. To play music and to do what you love. Enjoy this experience and appreciate the opportunity.
Other honorable mentions:
- Have a good skin care routine (ladies) since your might be wearing makeup every night. A simple cleanser, exfoliate, and moisturizer for the colder climates goes a long way.
- You will put on weight! All those extra M&M's and late night pizzas will add up. Don't worry too much. Just eat health, focus on your well-being and state of mind. You can lose those extra kg later.
- Even when you are well, pop those vitamins! Keep on top of your health.
Bring comfort items or food on tour. For me this was Vegemite and a heat pack.
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