Life as a musician can be fun, rewarding, and exciting. Most people don’t think about a career in music as a potentially dangerous one. But, there are a few common ailments that musicians can face.
Let’s face it, it’s a demanding career. You could put yourself at risk of burning out, or it could take a toll on your mental state.
With that in mind, it’s important to understand some of the more common health issues musicians encounter. The more you know about the risks, the more proactive steps you can take to keep yourself healthy.
So, whether you’re a touring artist looking for healthy living tips on the road, or you just want to know how to recognize the symptoms of some common problems, we’ve got you covered. Making your health a priority is more “rock ‘n roll” than you might think and can help you to have a long-lasting career without dealing with the negative health effects.
Physical Problems
While being a musician certainly isn’t the most physically demanding job in the world, it does require a lot of stamina, strength, and coordination. Unfortunately, musicians can be at risk for more physical issues than people realize.
It’s easy to become fatigued, especially if you’re touring. That puts you at an even greater risk of getting into some kind of accident and injuring yourself, and can also lower your immune system.
Additionally, if you’re a singer, you could face even greater health risks, like acid reflux. Nearly 20% of people deal with acid reflux or GERD symptoms, including:
- Burning pain in the chest
- Heartburn
- Nausea
Acid reflux can also cause regurgitation, which can damage your vocal cords and cause a lot of pain when you’re singing. To reduce your risk of developing gastrointestinal issues, it’s best to maintain a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, and consider voice training to keep your vocal cords strong.
Finally, it’s important to understand the health physical health risks that come with your environment as a musician. If you’re around blaring speakers or loud crowds frequently, you could develop hearing issues like tinnitus. You might even develop respiratory issues from irregular breathing patterns or being around smoky venues. Muscle and joint issues are also common if you’re carrying around heavy equipment or moving around a lot on stage and straining yourself.
The best thing you can do is to take care of your body and focus on your physical health on the road the same way you would at home. We’ll touch on that a bit more later.
Mental Health Risks
As a musician, a lot is expected of you. If you’re just starting, you may be the one putting pressure on yourself. If you’re on a label or actively touring, you might feel the heat from your manager, publicist, other band members, or even your fans.
One report found that 73% of independent musicians struggle with mental health conditions, with anxiety and depression at the top of the list. From spending weeks (or longer) away from home, feeling disconnected, working strange hours, and having to “perform” every day, it’s no wonder so many musicians struggle with their mental state.
One of the best things you can do is to recognize some of the more obvious signs of these problems. For example, some of the most common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Racing heart
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Excessive worry or fear
You might not be able to change your schedule or the demands of your career. But, there are things you can do to promote relaxation in your life. First, take advantage of any time you can spend at home. Your space should be your sanctuary, so make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed there.
If you’re on the road or away from home, relaxation techniques like mindfulness and meditation can help you to manage your thoughts and feel more centered. You might even consider trying alternative options like CBD oil. It is often used to reduce stress. But, be aware of some potential side effects like tiredness, dizziness, or drowsiness.
Practicing Preventative Health
Again, making your health a priority is truly one of the best things you can do as a musician. You don’t want to work hard for a successful career only to have it stripped away too soon because of health problems.
Whether you’re traveling or not, it doesn’t take much to practice preventative health. Find any excuse to stay active, whether it’s throwing a frisbee outside with a bandmate or joining a local gym when you’re home. Keep your diet in check by preparing your own meals whenever possible, no matter how tempting fast food might be.
And, of course, make sure you’re getting enough sleep! That doesn’t always go hand-in-hand with a music career, but sleeping allows your body to heal and recover and will keep your immune system strong.
There are risks to every career, and being a musician is no different. The more aware you are of those risks, the more you can do to prevent them and keep yourself healthy. Keep these common ailments in mind, and do what you can regularly to focus on your wellbeing.
Courtesy of Indiana Lee.