Being a rock star is a challenging job, despite what many believe. Think about it, rock stars have almost zero privacy. We’re all human, and we need our solitude sometimes, but this is not something they get often. For them, it’s a luxury.
But when they do get it, they tend to commit it to some habits that are distant from the music industry. We’ve decided to do a little bit of research on that topic for a very simple reason. We wanted to see what successful people do in their free time, which opens the door for others to take a peek. Maybe we can draw some useful conclusions. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Digital Detox
Taking breaks from screens is much needed in this day and age. Since there are so many of them in front of our eyes every single day, we need to do some detox. The same goes for rock stars, especially after the internet has become one of their priorities for promotion.
Since noise is a major part of their daily lives, the disconnect becomes a must after some time. We all need to distance ourselves from the crowd and have some quality alone time so we can recollect our thoughts.
A digital detox can help artists focus on their art, engage in real-life experiences, and find inspiration away from screens. It also supports mental health by reducing the pressures of constant connectivity and comparison.
Reading Books
Many successful musicians attribute part of their creativity and knowledge to a habit of extensive reading. While this may sound strange, especially for the best-known faces in the industry since they do not have a lot of free time, there are a lot of examples.
For instance, Mick Jagger adores “Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov.
Nick Cave, as a devout Christian, often points out that “The Gospel According to St. Mark” is his favorite book in the Old Testament.
Probably the best example is Rober Smith, the vocalist of The Cure, who says that “The Stranger” by Albert Camus.
Gambling
Gambling is a common habit for celebrities. We can see numerous examples, like Tiger Foods. However, when it comes to rockstars, their numbers are somewhat lower. The best-known face that indulges in gambling is the founder of Kiss, Paul Daniel. Lemmy from Motorhead was also a musician who was frequently seen in casinos.
When it comes to online casinos, we don’t have much information since privacy is guaranteed. Sites like Bodog that offer various games and gambling services are trying to ensure the best possible service including privacy protection. It is safe to assume that there are rockstars who frequently visit them.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness practices help musicians maintain mental clarity, focus, and emotional balance. These practices can reduce stress and anxiety, which is particularly beneficial in the high-pressure environment of the music industry.
Regular meditation enhances creativity by allowing the mind to explore new ideas without judgment, leading to more profound musical expression.
Physical Exercise
Physical exercise is a crucial habit for musicians, offering benefits like increased energy levels, improved mood, and better stage performance stamina. Activities such as yoga, running, or gym workouts not only keep the body in shape but also stimulate the release of endorphins, enhancing overall well-being.
A fit body supports a healthy voice and the physical demands of touring, performing, and practicing. Not to mention that physical exercise helps them to sustain all the pressures they encounter on the stage.
Journaling
Journaling is a powerful tool for musicians to capture fleeting creative ideas, reflect on personal experiences, and process emotions. Journaling is practiced by millions of people since it helps them to explore their emotions better and try to find their source.
Writing down thoughts and lyrics can help in organizing ideas and developing song concepts. You will find that the best songwriters always have that little book where they write their memories and emotions, later to be used in writing a song. It also serves as a therapeutic practice, helping artists go through the challenges and pressures of their careers.
Traveling
Travel exposes musicians to different cultures, landscapes, and experiences, serving as a rich source of inspiration. Meeting new people and learning about their culture can be a great source of inspiration. Fortunately, rockstars do travel a lot and they have the opportunity to drink from this source of inspiration more than others.
Foreign cultures often have a massive impact on someone’s work. The reason is quite simple; other cultures often have a perspective that is different from ours.
Learning New Skills
Pursuing hobbies and learning new skills outside of music can stimulate creativity and prevent burnout. It also helps musicians develop a more well-rounded personality and find balance in their lives. Having more skills opens more doors, and that is why rock stars enjoy it.
Drawing inspiration doesn’t always come from listening to other people’s music. Instead, there are numerous testimonies about how drawing attention can come from getting interested in obtaining a new skill.
Networking and Socializing
Building relationships with people from various backgrounds and industries can open up new opportunities and perspectives. Socializing helps musicians stay connected to the community and remain open to collaboration and innovation.
Meeting new, interesting people is what can help broaden the scope of inspiration. An obvious example of this is people being inspired by other people to write a song. Human civilization is filled with these examples.
Volunteering and Charity Work
Many musicians find fulfillment and grounding in giving back to the community through volunteering and charity work. These activities can offer a sense of purpose and connection, reminding artists of the impact they can have beyond their music. Doing good to other people naturally feels good.
Being sad and anxious is often presented as a main source of inspiration, but this is a big misconception. Feeling happy can equally result in writing a high-quality song. Engaging in causes they care about can inspire themes and messages in their work.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, even celebrities do everyday things, when they have enough free time. Here, you can find some interesting habits that might help you kick-start the motivation to start practicing one of these, especially those you find helpful.
