For many DIY Musicians, embarking on a tour is an exhilarating journey, however let’s face it— it comes with its personal set of challenges. 

The tight confines of tour vans, unpredictable schedules (or typically no set schedule in any respect), questionable meals decisions, the pangs of loneliness coupled with detachment from the acquainted heat of your neighborhood, the omnipresence of alcohol and different substances at each flip, and less-than-optimal sleeping circumstances kind a cocktail of stressors that may take a toll on each your bodily and psychological well-being. 

But, concern not, fellow street warrior! Within the face of those challenges, we’ve compiled a rock-solid information on the right way to not simply survive, however thrive on tour, guaranteeing you hit each cease energized and in good spirits so you possibly can placed on a superb present. 

Get These Zzzs

Sustaining an everyday(ish) sleep routine may appear difficult on the street, nevertheless it’s essential to your well-being. Nap within the van when you’ll want to, and keep away from late-night post-show hangs when potential. 

Put money into high quality sleeping gear like a neck pillow or a sleep masks. These could make a world of distinction, particularly in cramped vans or questionable accommodations. Bonus tip: Convey your individual pillow or pillowcase for a contact of residence consolation and hygiene.

Keep away from the temptation of that post-gig espresso repair. Late-night caffeine can intervene along with your sleep schedule, and nobody likes a Grumpy Gus. Be taught from my expertise — skip the two a.m. Purple Bull vodkas!

Keep Hydrated

Carry a reusable water bottle all over the place you go. Whereas your bandmates may grumble about frequent pit stops, staying hydrated is non-negotiable to your well being, power, and total efficiency.

Restrict sugary drinks and alcohol. Dehydration is a touring musician’s nemesis, so make water your beverage of option to maintain your physique in prime kind.

Stability It Out

Touring doesn’t should imply sacrificing diet. Search out wholesome meals choices like contemporary fruits, greens, and lean proteins. For those who’re touring the U.S., quick meals can nonetheless be wholesome — assume Chipotle, Mongolian Grills, and salad bars at locations like Ruby Tuesday.

Inventory your van cooler with important snacks. A loaf of bread, nut butters, jams, hummus, carrots, bananas, apples, soda water, and path combine might be lifesavers whenever you’re on the go.

When you’ve got a rider, at all times embody wholesome snacks. Grabbing nutritious gadgets on the finish of the evening not solely satisfies your post-show starvation, but in addition saves your pockets from late-night quick meals runs.

Pump That Blood

Flip each pit cease right into a mini exercise session. A set of thirty leaping jacks and squats may sound minimal, however they’ll maintain your blood flowing and your power up throughout these lengthy drives.

Make the most of resort gyms or get inventive with body weight workout routines in your room. 

Reap the benefits of your environment. A run or brisk stroll across the venue or resort not solely supplies train, but in addition offers you an opportunity to get pleasure from some alone time, clear your thoughts, and uncover the realm.

Set Enjoyable Routines 

Is there an album you’ve been that means to hearken to extra deliberately? Make it your tour anthem. Pop on some headphones day by day, and let this be your alternative to get obsessive about one thing new.

Once you set up a day by day routine, even when it’s a bit unconventional, it will possibly add a way of construction to your touring life. Perhaps it’s your midday meditation session, or listening to a favourite music along with your eyes closed. Uncover and prioritize methods to floor your self. 

Tour crafts can assist break up the monotony! Think about bringing your sketch pad, knitting needles, crossword puzzles, sudoku, or different enjoyable actions to maintain your self and your tourmates occupied.

It Takes a Village

Touring can get lonely, however staying linked with family and friends by means of calls or video chats can alleviate the isolation.

Join with fellow musicians or locals. Assembly your viewers after exhibits and interesting with followers not solely fills you with feel-good vibes, but in addition builds your neighborhood. 

Restrict Your Vices

Be aware of your alcohol consumption. Drink tickets might be sneaky, and extreme consuming can disrupt your sleep and total well-being. Tempo your self not simply to your sake, however for the sake of your bandmates and your efficiency! 

Followers may give you stimulants or jazz cabbage, however select correctly. Not each present is tour-friendly, and a few places have strict legal guidelines. Do your analysis, and bear in mind: Security first.

Follow Stress Administration

Spend time outdoor in pure mild to assist regulate your circadian rhythm. It will possibly make adjusting to completely different time zones somewhat simpler. 

Touring with bandmates might be intense, and conflicts are inevitable. However simply because your bassist chews their lunch loudly each single day doesn’t imply you’ll want to flip your lid. Select your battles correctly; not each disagreement is well worth the power.

Attempt a day by day check-in to reset the tour vibes. A “60 seconds to whine, 60 seconds to focus on the positives” sport can assist everybody course of their emotions in a wholesome method, and preserve a optimistic environment.

Setting a finances helps alleviate monetary stress and permits you and your tourmates to give attention to the music.

Put money into a journal. Vent all of it out on paper, not in your drummer!  

Pack Necessities

Pack a small first assist equipment with ache relievers, bandages, and any crucial medicines. 

Convey private comforts from residence, whether or not it’s a favourite stuffed animal, a associate’s sweater with their cologne, or mother’s brownies. 

Don’t fear about having too many stage outfits. As an alternative, create somewhat capsule wardrobe that you would be able to alternate out every evening. Consider it or not, you possibly can match a month-long tour in an overhead bin suitcase. 

Embrace a conveyable humidifier, face masks (vital in 2024), and hand sanitizer in your necessities. Tour life includes a lot of handshakes—maintain it clear!

Keep Knowledgeable

Analysis emergency providers within the areas you’ll be visiting. If there’s a disaster, figuring out the place to show in will make the scenario a lot simpler to navigate.

Familiarize your self with well being amenities and native healthcare assets to be sure you and your tourmates have the knowledge they want if somebody will get sick.

Be Variety In every single place You Go!

Within the whirlwind of touring, don’t neglect primary etiquette. Saying thanks, cleansing up after your self, and shaking arms along with your followers go a protracted method to construct a optimistic environment wherever you go. Keep in mind that touring isn’t simply touring — it’s part of constructing reputations, relationships, and future alternatives. 

There are numerous explanation why  artists like us search a life on the street. There’s at all times one thing new to see in each city you go to, a fan to satisfy, and a brand new meals to attempt, and it’s an unbelievable method to share your music. 

Once you arm your self with these well being hacks, you’re setting your self up for a profitable tour as a music skilled, and as an individual. So, whether or not you’re headed residence to the acquainted embrace of your neighborhood, or gearing up for the subsequent journey, carry the following pointers like a backstage cross to a more healthy, happier touring life. 

Curious to delve deeper? Tune into episode #354 of the DIY Musician Podcast that includes Cristina Cano and Rachel Bearinger.