As busy freelance musicians, we go from rehearsals and teaching, to squeezing in the practice time, admin work, and errands.All while trying to cram in a social life and taking care of our health. How can you manage transitioning from task to task so that you’re not depleted by the end of each day? If your busy schedule is wearing you down, here’s relief:
Here are my 4 tips for depleted musicians . . .
#1 Build in Renewal
As musicians, your work is demanding on three levels: emotional, intellectual, and physical. Whether it’s in rehearsals, performance, teaching, or coaching, being in flow is a giving out of energy.
This can be depleting unless you also are taking in new energy—in the form of creative inspiration. You need to recharge regularly.
Renewal doesn’t have to take a lot of time. You might be energized by a poem, the view from your window, a dream you had, a recording or podcast you hear, or an inspiring conversation you participate in. Being aware and grateful of what’s renewing you is key.
Pro tip: keep a gratitude journal at your bedside. Every night before you turn out the light, write down 3-5 things that day that inspired, delighted, or fascinated you. Doing this helps you squeeze more juice out of life and helps orient you toward finding more inspiration. Gratitude is the path to better living.
#2 Time Block with Intension and Closure
To get more out of the time you devote to creative work, you need to prioritize and focus. This applies to your practice sessions, rehearsals, as well as your teaching. At the start of a session, take three minutes to plan your work. Problem-solve in small chunks and record yourself, focusing on one issue at a time.
At the end of the session, review what you accomplished, and what you heard improve. Then map out your next steps. This planning at the start and wrapping up by reflecting is essential to pacing your work and transitioning into the next task on your to-do list.
#3. Take True Breaks
Look at your schedule for the day and plot out when you will step away to stretch, breathe fresh air, or hydrate—skip the email and social media scrolling.
Your brain needs real downtime to reset: Self-care is essential.
#4. Hit the Reset Button
Beyond building in renewal, managing your time blocks, and taking real breaks, there’s also a specific tool for managing transitions.
It comes from the LA therapists Phil Stutz and Barry Michels. Their clients include Hollywood A-list performers, directors, and writers. Phil and Barry have created and championed a set of Tools: dynamic visualization practices that can shift your emotional state, behavior, and outlook.
When practiced regularly these tools can help you transform your mindset and your life. They’ve been game changers for me and my clients and I’m happy to recommend them to you, too.
Try the Vortex
This visualization activity is designed to help you connect to a reserve of creative energy you didn’t know you had. Your life force. The Tools use archetypes and symbols related to the work of Carl Jung. From the Tools website, here’s the description of the tool the Vortex, which I’ve slightly adapted below:
The Vortex tool in brief
The Vortex combines two archetypal symbols in a new way: the Sun (a source of endless energy) and the number twelve (traditionally the number of completeness).
First put yourself in that feeling state of being overwhelmed and exhausted, and not ready to take on the next task of the day. Then:
A. Visualize Twelve Suns: See them arranged in a circle directly over your head. Feel the warmth of the suns on your skin. Summon the Vortex by silently screaming the word “help” at the circle of suns with focused intensity. This will set the entire circle of suns spinning, creating a gentle tornado-shaped vortex.
B. Rise: Relax and allow your body to become one with the vortex. Feel the pull of the vortex as it lifts you up through the circle of suns.
C. Grow: Once you’re through the circle, feel yourself grow taller and taller—filled with unlimited energy. See yourself moving calmly but deliberately through the world without any resistance.
Notice how your body feels before, during, and after using the tool. Notice what goes on in your mind and with your energy. What’s different?
For me, the vortex tool is great for getting me up and taking on the next task. Because I’m asking for the help needed with my motivation—and the vortex actually feels like a force that lifts me up and into action. So it’s no longer a battle of will power. I’m just up and moving forward without resentment.
Give it a go. Put these tips and the Vortex into action.
Find my other posts on the Tools here: Grateful Flow, the Shadow, Loss Processing, Cosmic Rage, and Death Cookies.
And if you’d like to explore how working with an expert music career coach can help you achieve your goals, apply for a complimentary strategy session HERE.
Looking forward,
Dream Big, Plan Smart, Live Well
