This article is brought to you as part of the ASCAP Wellness Program.

 

From an outside perspective, the life of a music creator might seem like a dream – getting paid to express yourself creatively, while enjoying all kinds of freedoms unavailable to the typical nine-to-fiver.

However, working in the music industry is not without its own unique stressors. And creators are not immune to the pressures and responsibilities that come with family, relationships, and managing your health and finances.

Also, unlike more task-oriented work, creating music is highly qualitative. More than simply checking a box or scratching off an item on a to-do list, creating art requires perspective, originality and the skill to bring a point of view to life. It is energy-intensive work, and can be as exhilarating as it is draining.

This is why self-care is especially important for creators. Yes, it is important to prioritize your work and livelihood, but not at the expense of your own health and wellbeing. Putting yourself first from time to time is anything but selfish. In fact, for creators, it can be essential.

“Music creators often fall into the­ trap of constant productivity, disregarding their own physical and mental he­alth,” says Kevin Huffman, D.O., a board-certified bariatric physician and licensed fitness specialist. “It's important to acknowledge that our bodies and minds have­ limitations and require care and re­juvenation.”

When we take the time to recharge our batteries and nurture ourselves physically and mentally, we emerge better equipped to serve not only ourselves and our careers, but also those around us.

Here are a couple of ways you can start putting yourself first for the greater good of your health and wellbeing, along with expert-backed tips and advice for music creators.

Put yourself on your schedule

Making time for re­st, exercise and activitie­s that bring joy is not just beneficial; it's critical for fostering creativity and productivity, Dr. Huffman says. So even if you love your work, it’s important to schedule time for yourself and the things that bring you joy and balance. These can be activities like biking, running or another form of exercise, or even just sleeping in or kicking back with a movie or video game.

“Prioritizing self-care­ is not selfish; it's necessary for maintaining ove­rall wellbeing. Negle­cting your own needs can result in burnout, diminishe­d creative output and compromised physical he­alth,” Dr. Huffman says. “By prioritizing your health, you're ultimately inve­sting in your capacity to create, perform and share­ your music effectively with the­ world, as well as increase your ability to cre­ate music that deeply conne­cts with others.”

Set and enforce boundaries

It's crucial to establish clear boundaries between self-care and your work, says Aine Rock, an integrative life coach and host of the Rock Your Joy podcast. This can be as simple as committing to taking your lunch break outside to get some fresh air – even when you’re tempted to wolf down a meal at your desk or in the studio – or putting a hard stop to the work day at 5 pm to ensure you have time to get your scheduled workout in.

“Protect the things that help you switch off and allow the world and your responsibilities to ebb away,” says Emily Maguire, a UK-based career consultant who specializes in working with the creative and entertainment industries. “Even if that’s just finding a quiet place to sit, breathe and listen to your inner voice.”

Consider meditation and breathwork

While sitting down and doing “nothing” for 10 or 20 minutes might seem indulgent, or even selfish, incorporating holistic practices like meditation and breathwork into your daily routine can greatly contribute to maintaining mental and emotional balance, which is vital for your wellbeing, says Rock.

“Meditation is also an excellent way to balance emotions and increase creativity, and can help you make grounded decisions as you connect more with your inner self,” says Maguire. “Try introducing a 10-minute breathing ritual before starting the day to help you balance and find harmony for the day ahead.”

If you don’t know where to start, consider a meditation app  to find a meditative practice that fits your schedule.

+ The Best Types of Meditation for Music Creators

Write in a journal

Journaling for even just a few minutes a day can make a real difference in how you process and learn from your experiences and the world around you. It can also double as a helpful tool to dislodge yourself from a creative rut by allowing you to solidify ideas that might be swirling around in the ether of your mind.

“Journaling is a powerful tool for self-expression and reflection. It can help you gain a deeper understanding of your feelings and thoughts,” says Rock. “This practice is invaluable for prioritizing your mental wellbeing as a music creator.”

Pay attention to your body's signals

If you have a frantic schedule, or if you tend to take on projects that put you underwater for days at a time, you know how life as a music creator can drain your energy. Letting work take the front burner for too long can quickly take a toll on your health, zap your energy levels and affect your mood. And then, of course, there are the unplanned requests that come in on the fly; maybe it’s a composition that needs to be lengthened or edited down to fit a scene, or a last-minute request to send a file in a different format.

You probably do your best to accommodate the asks of others, so don’t ignore the asks of your own body. If you’re feeling tired, make an effort to get to bed at a reasonable hour; if you feel yourself getting swept up in a project or a session, don’t let yourself skip a meal; and so on, says Rock. “Learn to recognize when it’s time to dive deep into your creative process, and when it's time to take a break, to ensure you're working at your best.”