The word “Balance” sometimes is met with hostility. It’s as if when someone tells us we need some more balance, they are telling us to stop practicing. But more likely, they’re just concerned that we’re heading towards unhealthiness.

“Think about scales (not the ones we play) the concern is not practicing eight hours everyday, or not doing anything social for two weeks. The concern is about developing an unhealthy habit, or an injury-something you don’t want” -Christian

So, it’s a good thing, right? Something we should all want?

“Most people desire balance and also reject it” -Anna
“What happens audition week, or two weeks before, you’re freaking out. You have everything but balance, because there’s no normalcy associated with this preparation” -Anna

I think, that’s because Auditions, or other peak performance situations are not normal. They’re super unnatural, and seem to demand unattainable, perfect performance.

“You have to be healthy: mentally and physically. If you’re practicing  eight hrs a day, you can injure yourself.” -Jess

So let’s zoom out. Stop thinking about balance as a daily checklist. Let’s look at it from 100ft. level or  10,000 ft. level.

“Balance changes week to week, month to month, season to season.” -Jess
[Jess, at the time of this recording is taking an audition in one week]

“But let me tell you about my balance right now: My apt is a disaster, I make myself put jeans on to take my dog on a walk, the second I’m back inside, it’s back to yoga pants. I’m eating cereal for dinner. If someone wanted to be my friend, I would say, ‘hmmm, check back with me on Wednesday'” -Jess

Musicians really are athletes of the small muscle groups (fingers, wrists, lips, tongues) and much can be learned from our more traditional athlete counterparts:

“The Marathon runner is so fit, he can go on a cruise for a week, because his prior training can carry him through.” -Christian

So what are some of the things we do to promote Balance and Routine:

• On busy gig days – Spend time in the morning for yourself: Reading, meditation, quiet time etc. If you wake up last minute and rush out the door-it won’t be a fulfilling day.

• Schedule things back to back – 2 hour gaps are usually unproductive

• Make decisions non-emotionally.  If you want to exercise, don’t wait until you feel like it.

• Journal at the end of the day. Recap how the day went, or write three imperatives for what you need to do tomorrow.

• Make a “to do” list and leave it on top of your laptop or keyboard so that you don’t start the day by wasting time