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Whether you鈥檙e studying or working as a musician, you鈥檒l likely have a hefty schedule or perhaps an unpredictable working pattern. It鈥檚 important to look after yourself both mentally and physically.聽Here are five tips to look after yourself as a musician.

1. Exercise and stretch

No matter what your instrument, it鈥檚 really important to keep your body flexible and limber. Stretching as a musician is good for a number of reasons.

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, stretching and regular exercise can help prevent injuries and future ailments. Injuries as a musician can be career hindering, so anything you can do to prevent them is vital. 聽It will also help improve your posture which in turn prevents long-term injuries.聽

Stretching and exercising will also help improve your mobility, flexibility and stamina, giving you a wider range of motion and more endurance to perform for longer without getting tired.聽

If you can鈥檛 make it to a gym, there are plenty of stretches and exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home or practice room. You can look on YouTube for videos that can help you start out.

2. Sleep well

We all know that sleep is good for us. Getting enough sleep as a musician is important because it improves cognitive function, meaning you can focus and take in more information during practice and performances, and will be less likely to make mistakes.聽

A good night鈥檚 sleep is also the key for reducing stress and anxiety, so if you鈥檙e a nervous performer, a rest will help you with this somewhat.

3. Know your limits

It鈥檚 really important to set your own boundaries and limits when it comes to performing. Whilst it鈥檚 crucial to get in those all-important practice hours, make sure you don鈥檛 burn yourself out and take regular breaks and time off. Separate your study/work life with your personal life to avoid feeling like you are constantly 鈥渙n鈥�.

It鈥檚 also important to play for fun! Remember that music is supposed to be joyful and should be a passion as well as a career.聽

RBC also runs The Intelligent Behaviour Analytics庐 Health, Well-being and Performing with Confidence programme.聽This is an eight-week course to help Music students identify aspects of performance that are challenging to and offer techniques to help to overcome those challenges.

4. Stimulate your brain

Playing an instrument is highly stimulating for the brain, but it鈥檚 important to keep this up outside of practice hours in various ways as well.聽Doing so will help both your playing abilities and your mental health.

There are plenty of ways to do this, such as reading a book, completing a puzzle, learning something new, taking up a new hobby or simply spending some time away from your phone or computer for a bit.聽

5. Set goals or a personal schedule

Similar to knowing your limits and setting boundaries, it can be useful to set yourself goals, big or small. Goals are not only useful for helping you practice efficiently but can also help give you a sense of purpose with your studies or work, especially if you鈥檙e feeling a bit lost or just starting out.

A schedule can also help with this; setting out days and times when you want to practice and sticking to this can be rewarding but also helps you to divide your home and work life.