Let's talk about the stress of what happens in the music industry.
Whether you're just off tour or wrapping a long summer of gig after gig after gig,
If you feel low,
Flat,
Irritable,
That's not weakness,
It's dopamine withdrawal.
If you're having stomach problems,
Severe tension,
Headaches.
That's not sickness,
That's dopamine withdrawal.
If you find yourself withdrawing from your loved ones,
Or procrastinating on a certain project or task that you have to do,
Or even turning towards your coping mechanisms such as alcohol,
Drugs,
Sex,
Gambling,
Shopping,
TV binging.
Doom scrolling,
That also is dopamine withdrawal.
Making the gig life in the music industry floods your system with stimulation and connection.
It can be so much fun.
It can be incredibly stressful.
It can be so amazing.
Your boundaries can get pushed.
You larkins about yourself.
You meet amazing,
Wonderful people.
And then suddenly it's over.
You're home.
It's quiet.
You're surrounded by people that don't quite understand what we do in this industry and your nervous system is searching for the next cue,
The next high,
The next reason to move.
So that crash,
It's chemical and it's common.
Here's how to rebuild dopamine in a steady,
Sustainable way.
First step.
Get outside,
Natural light,
Fresh air,
The sunshine.
It helps to regulate your internal clock and boost your mood.
Next,
Eat something with protein.
Your brain needs it to make dopamine.
So a small snack totally counts.
Some beef jerky,
Some nuts,
Some peanut butter,
An avocado,
Whatever high protein source nourishes your nervous system to help you release dopamine.
Following snacks,
Drink water.
Fatigue and irritability are often just dehydration.
And when you get dehydrated,
You start to feel stress and when you feel stress you burn through your dopamine even quicker so always hydrate hydrate hydrate Now here's something a little bit more practical that might sound more reasonable.
Organize one thing.
Organize a drawer,
Your gear bag,
Your desk.
Organize a to-do list.
Clarity brings dopamine.
And when you have something that is clean and organized,
It feels good.
And feeling good is dopamine.
This one may seem impossible during busy season,
But try to unplug for 30 minutes.
Step away from all screens,
Especially the doom scroll.
Let your brain breathe.
You can multitask this by getting your fresh air and sunshine outside on a half hour walk without looking at your phone.
Pay attention to the trees.
Pay attention to how the breeze feels on your skin.
Feel the sunshine or the cold air.
If it's raining,
Look at the rain clouds.
Focus on the nature around you and checking out for those 30 minutes actually refreshes the parts of your brain that help you to make good decisions.
Help inspire creativity and inspiration.
I am Jessica Kronowski.
I'm a stress management mentor with over 25 years working in the music industry.
I've lived the crash and I have built the tools to help you bounce back stronger.
Let's work together for you to feel better,
Work smarter,
And stay grounded to help you live the career of your dreams that lasts a lifetime.
