Well, it's crunch time for a lot of people. It's the middle of the semester, it's only weeks before Christmas, there's the panic of H1N1 and the pressure is on. Throw a full time job rehearsing and gigging along with your PR and attempts at being pro-active in your music career on top of all that and you have a great recipe for burn-out.
I'm not here to save your day with a magic remedy, but I want to offer a few hints that have helped me in my busy life:
1) Find ways to save time - there are lots of bits of good advice on the net and anything from paying bills on-line, to food shopping in bulk to reduce trips to the shops can help. I googled 'student time savers' and 'stressed out students', and found lots of cool articles, and loads of stuff in point form - short and sweet. Talk to other musicians and students and grads and even profs - everyone probably has a bit of good advice, learned through a similar experience. (In fact the act of talking about it will usually help a lot too!).
My tip of the day would be, learn how to scan. It's helpful in studying (scan for keys words or phrases in your readings) and scan through your emails and websites and only read what you need to and what is urgent. Everything else can wait. And if you're really stressed, cut out email all together, don't give more of yourself away than you need to in these times.
2) 'Self care' is huge and though you may think you don't have time, make it, even if it's only a few minutes a day to start. It's a habit you will need to get into, especially for later on, when you're touring and on the road. Teaching yourself how to relax without the aid of drugs or booze will be a lifesaver and will help with your career longevity. There are lots of health and 'how to deal with stress' sites on-line and even a few now that are specific to the musician. I have even written on the subject and email me if you would like a copy of the article.
My tip of the day would be exercise. It will help with your stress level and with your over all health. Even starting with a few minutes of deep breathing will help, and work up to some yoga or a run or swim. I just read an article by Black Sabbath Drummer Bill Ward, about his routine (http://www.clashmusic.com/feature/how-black-sabbath-survived-the-music-business).
3) This could be included in self care, but it's more specific, do something you love. Doing something you love rarely feels like work. I don't mean rehearsing or practicing, unless that IS what you love - but just let go and jam around, cook something, watch your favorite movie, listen to your favorite music, get a tattoo, what ever does it for you - treat yourself, nobody else will - it's your job to take care of you.
My tip of the day would be to find out what you love to do, if you don't already know. Never picked up a brush? Try painting. Never made a pie? get on it! Want to play piano, guitar or uke? Head out to the music store and give it a go. Try something new or something you have always wanted to try - what are you waiting for? I write books. Want one?
When all else fails 'prioritize', do only what you really need to do, (NEED TO DO even if it means just eating and sleeping!), and REST, make sure you are getting enough sleep. Once you are back on your feet you can look at the other stuff and plan for the next curve life throws you.
So there you go, I wanted to keep this shortish, to save you some time - so will end here!
(Art by Rodney White)
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