Going on tour is a blast. You travel to crazy places, you find yourself in all sorts of funny situations, you figure out exactly how long you can go without washing your hair, etc, etc, etc. Oh and you play music almost every night and they give you money for doing it! BONUS! Seriously, touring is an amazing adventure. Now for the whomp whomp whomp part… (did that sound effect come across??). If you don’t keep yourself healthy out there on the road it can turn into a death spiral.
Nine ways to stay healthy on the road
Keep a cooler and snacks in the van. Long rides mean snacking out of boredom. Maybe put an orange in there or something.
Don’t drink every single night. I know that sounds like a bummer, but you’ll last much longer out there if you aren’t constantly nursing a faint (or hellish) hangover.
Pay attention to your body. If you’re starting to get sick, act fast & see a local urgent care center (or take zinc & echinacea if you’re into vitamins). Your job is to perform every night and unless you literally can’t make a sound come out of your mouth, the show must go on!
Sneak in some exercise. Even if you aren’t an exercise fanatic, there are ways to get some fresh air in those lungs. A few years ago we kept a basketball in the van + a baseball and bat. Almost anytime we saw an empty court or field, we were out there (present company excluded - hey, Blair here). Also, yoga mats are tiny! Now that we have a much more regimented schedule, we carve out an hour for Ron to go running or do a short circuit. This also helps your brain stay happy!
Get some alone time. Not only is it important to keep that bod in tip top shape, but you need your brain to stay sharp also. Since you’re spending nearly every waking hour with the same people day in and day out, try to find some time to take a walk alone to clear your head.
Call your mom (or someone who makes you feel awesome). All of us need a pep talk every once in awhile out there. Seriously - week three is when the crazy starts to set in.
A healthy rider. If you’re lucky enough to have a rider, make sure to request some healthy options. The less you have to think about it, the easier it is to stay on track.
Get comfy with Panera. No, they are not paying me to say this. Panera used to suck. Now they legitimately have some pretty great salads. While slightly pricier than Wendy’s, your gut will thank you.
WATER. Drink the hell out of it.
Honestly, the only way you’re going to follow all of this is after your first tour when you come back 10+ pounds heavier, you feel like death, and your liver has written you a break up letter.
REASON TO IGNORE THIS ADVICE: You are 21. You can do anything when you’re 21.