Andre Kaden Black
Hayden McHugh
PHOTO : WILL GEIER PHOTO : JADEN D , TINKERBOX CREATIVE MEDIA
Andre Kaden Black
Hayden McHugh
Prioritize Sleep , Rest & Recovery Regardless of your goals , you will optimize your performance with a healthy sleep schedule . How ? Well , it can be tough . Not all sleep is created equal . Our bodies are tuned to the circadian cycle ( aka the sun cycle ), so try your very best to hit the hay shortly after sundown . Optimal recovery occurs from 10 p . m . to 6 a . m ., but the lifestyle we live as musicians often sees us wide awake during much of that window , usually performing or tearing down our gear and getting back home in the wee morning hours .
That said , do what you can when you ’ re not performing . Your body associates white light with the sun , so turn off screens and harsh lighting and replace it with dimmer lights , candles , and blackout blinds to ensure sound sleep .
Fun fact : magnesium is a sweet recovery nectar from the gods . I discovered this golden nugget during my days as a competitive athlete . It ’ s a great recovery agent , but it ’ s also a common deficiency in the standard North American diet , so we need to supplement it .
Head to your local holistic foods shop and look for some topical magnesium chloride ( not all magnesium is the same ). Spray or rub it in on your neck and any areas of your body that are sore and set a couple of alarms . You ’ ll sleep like a rock . Magnesium is also great for skin care , reducing hypertension and cortisol ( the stress hormone ), and will let you get some much-needed rest . This is important when conditions aren ’ t ideal , like when you ’ re away from the comfort of your own bed . Your body will appreciate the TLC .
TAKE CARE OF YOUR MIND
Journal I like to keep a diary to get my thoughts out . I prefer the old school pen to paper , but there are some great e-diary options out there nowadays . I ’ ve used Daylio in the past . I like it because it takes about 30 seconds to log in and it ’ s based on how you feel . Check out that bad boy in the App Store or Google Play .
Unplug As a society , we spend far too much time on social media and in front of screens . While the postural problems that can occur from endless hours of sitting is damaging enough , the emotional turmoil and constant desire to feel appreciated can wreak havoc on a positive mindset .
Delete the apps that you use the most for a few days and see how it feels to be offline . Turn off your phone after 8 p . m . Spend more time in the outdoors . It ’ s amazing what we can connect with when we disconnect with social media . To double back to Black ’ s earlier point , nature connects us with incredible inspiration .
EMBRACE CHANGE
Write with , Listen to & Draw
Inspiration from Other Artists Cirillo mentioned that in order to keep things authentic , you should “ write about things that make you feel uncomfortable .” If you ’ re still struggling with the process of songwriting , she advises writing with other people or even trying out an ( other ) instrument .
Ready To Change ? MusicFit Collective Can Help
Staying on top of your lifestyle can feel overwhelming , I understand that . These tips may or may not be news to you . They ’ re meant to introduce health and wellness into your lifestyle . I strongly encourage readers that are struggling with their mental or physical health to reach out to a trusted health professional . When you break an arm , you see the doctor . If |
you have heart problems , you see a cardiologist . If you ’ re suffering from a mental illness , you talk to a mental health professional .
One musician-specific service I ’ m an advocate for is the Unison Benevolent Fund . Check them out at www . unisonfund . ca . They can connect you to professional counselling , emergency funding , and everything in between .
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The Canadian Mental Health Association also has plenty of resources available at its website , www . cmha . ca .
These are just two of the many services and resources we have compiled for your convenience on an online service designed to improve the quality of life of musicians . It ’ s known as MusicFit Collective . You ’ ll find strategies to manage
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stress and inspire creativity , coaching techniques to level up your performance , and all the hook-ups to develop every aspect of your professional career as a musician . It ’ s a community of growth , wellbeing , and support . Head to www . musicfit . ca and claim your all-access pass . It ’ s completely free to join and you can opt out anytime if the content no longer serves you . |
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