Take care of yourself during this high season

It's August. Time for most people to enjoy the summer break, and for gigging musicians to get really busy. Weddings, festivals, celebrations of all kinds fill our schedule to take the best of the free time and the good weather. During this month alone, many musicians get more money than during the entire first half of the year. It's a great opportunity, of course, which can bring feelings of pressure, anxiety and stress.

It's easy to succumb to the hustle and push ourselves to the max, neglecting our health in order to fit more gigs. Doing so is a mistake that can bring consequences in both the short and long term. Remember that most health issues are easier to prevent than to cure!

Taking care of our health can look a bit different from person to person, but in general terms:

• Protect your sleep times and routine.
• Eat enough! Performing demands a lot of energy, this is not the time for diets or calory deficits (unless your doctors deem it absolutely necessary). Prioritize protein and fiber.
• Stay hidrated.
• Exercise or move a few times a week in a way unrelated to your performances.
• Discuss the conditions of your performance with the client and the venue, so you don't risk yourself or your equipment under extreme weather conditions.

Finally, the fact that you are a gigging musician doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the summer. Whilst a full vacation of several weeks is not possible, even two or three free days in a row can make a big difference!