Taking Care of Yourself as a Performer (Of Any Kind)

If you want the quick and easy version of this blog post, we could sum it up in four words: take care of yourself. Your body and mind as a performer and a musician are just as important as anything else that you do. It can be so easy to focus on your skills, your performance, and all the ins and outs of your instrument in your art that they forget to take care of the performer themselves. And that performer is you. 

For our athlete friends, their body *is* their instrument- so they already know this. But, it can be easy for us all to forget how vital our body is to everything we do, from bringing in groceries to performing Bach. Our muscles, our breath, and our organs do so, so much for us and we can’t afford to neglect them. 

Here at Original Breath Builder, we know that our breath trainer is about so much more than just your performance, it’s about your wellness. We’ve heard of people using the Original Breath Builder for all kinds of respiratory and cardiovascular health issues- and seeing results! As our customer and Assistant Band Director David Graves told us, “I have even found it helpful in counteracting the side effects of my asthma and congestive heart failure. I wholeheartedly recommend the Original Breath Builder!” Because our heart and lungs are our engines, and like any good car- we need a good engine. 

Here are some quick tips on how to better take care of yourself as any sort of performer:

1. Make it a priority!

Okay maybe this one isn’t so quick but really- sit down and make taking care of your body a priority. Take out a journal or just a quiet moment to reflect on why your body matters to you (because it should!) Maybe you really wanna be playing into your 60s or 70s (or beyond!), maybe you don’t want to retire yet, or you’re noticing your lungs just don’t work like they used to. Perhaps it’s about your family, your goals, your hobbies, or any number of reasons that you really need to start taking care of your body. Having a solid why is the best way to make any change happen, so make sure to start here and find 3-5 clear, powerful reasons you want to start taking better (or any) care of your body. 

2. Look at your diet and routines

You’ve probably heard this advice in every health space you’ve ever seen- but really, it’s true. What you’re eating and doing every day deeply impacts your well-being and your health. Now, put the shame down- nobody needs that. Enjoy your Snickers and so what if you sit down for a good show every night with your family- that’s not what we’re talking about.

We’re talking about moderation- not fixation or limitation. Have your Snickers, but also try to find some leafy greens, fibers, and balanced meals you really enjoy. It’s about balance here. See where and how you could sneak in a walk every day or hike a local trail once a month.

Pick 2-3 small tweaks you can make that make you feel more energized and care for your body. Even if it’s just noticing for a couple weeks how different meals make you feel, or where your body seems to not be as trusty as you’d like it to be. Again, be nice to yourself- but just noticing and asking yourself what really supports and cares for you can make a world of difference. 

3. Make a set, clear plan of action

So, we’ve gotten that why down, we’ve noticed where and how you could better support yourself, and now we need a clear plan of action. These could be small, grand, short-term, or long-term, but they should feel doable and approachable for you as you are right now. Maybe you want to run a mile, so let’s start walking every day if you don’t already. Or maybe walking every day for 10 minutes is exactly where you want to be and where you want to stay forever, that’s great too! Pick 2-3 concrete ways to care for your body, and piece them into your life. 

Here are some of our suggestions: Test out a new balanced (fat, protein, carbs) recipe every week, go meatless on Mondays, go on a daily walk, pick an active game to try with your kids on the weekends, try out our Original Breath Builder for your lungs, do an exercise bike while watching your favorite show, explore local parks, try meditation or breathwork, find a local gym you enjoy or workout class- and there’s so, so many more! 

Find the steps that work for you and make you want to care for your body, and we promise you’ll start feeling the difference. You are so worth caring for, and no matter your goals or lifestyle - your heart, lungs, and body are the foundation for all of it.