Keeping Yourself Repaired

Musicians are special people. You know you're the type that's willing to take risks, go the extra yard and then some, and try new things so you can get where you need to go. Unfortunately, sometimes we go too far, and injure our most important instrument-ourselves. Here are a few ways you can keep that from happening, and do quick repairs to get you running at least until the gig or whatever is over.

YOU GOTTA BREATHE

Respiratory ills make anyone miserable, whether you sing or not. Mom had good advice-eat healthy meals, sleep, wash your hands, clean your room, get lots of fresh air and exercise. These may not seem important, but if you're guilty of several of the above, you can stress your system enough that it can't fight off the usual germs it gets inundated with daily. Pushing doors open with your shoulder at work can really cut down on sick days, since you won't be rubbing your nose afterwards with your co-workers' leavings from rubbing their runny noses. If you have allergies, molds just adore things like dirty bathtubs and toilets, and dust can contain pollens from months ago. Sure, nose drops or smearing vaporub on your face can clear your nose for the gig, but just mopping the floor or changing your air conditioner filter may solve your stuffy head problem and add some exercise to your daily routine, and can be done while you download that song from your co-writer. It never hurts, either, to have clean clothes and a halfway neat apartment in case that important gig finally comes up, or a prospective client wants to drop in to talk music-you don't need the added stress of not being ready to add to an already nervous situation. It will be tough enough to just get words out-you don't need your visitor wanting to wonder if they will catch something when they come to visit, either. Best if everyone can breathe easy.

THAT QUEASY FEELING

Staying on overdrive isn't good for you or your rig-both can get burnt out. Sure, you can do natural things like a spoonful of baking soda in a glass of water or a simple ginger or peppermint tea, but chilling out when you feel yourself getting stressed is an actual cure, not just a cover-up for symptoms. Real food at regular times can make a difference-many junk foods are full of acids and greases that irritate nervous stomachs, especially when wolfed on the way to a gig. Keeping healthy foods you really like around the house will save money, and are often easy to make, too, especially if you learn crockpot cooking. Learn breathing exercises for when you feel the acids start to rise, force your shoulders down, close your eyes and just sit and think of something that you really feel relaxed doing. Imagining jogging "in the zone" after about the three mile point where I am really numbed out works for me. The trick here is to trigger your body's natural endorphins to combat the stress you just put yourself into. Many top musicians use similar techniques to help themselves prepare for a gig, or just to get themselves to sleep at night after an adrenaline-filled show. Some of us find that doing this also frees our creativity up to start writing--probably why so many motivational workshops include some sort of relaxation session.

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