Opera and Mental Health: How do you stay sane?

I think that opera is one of the most difficult careers to keep up with. Between the maddening 4-6 years of university education (especially if you're studying in a conservatory environment), the constant cost of lessons, coachings, language courses, personal grooming, formalwear, travel, etc., and the time you have to spend daily taking care of your body and voice, it's a wonder that more people don't leave the community. 

 World mental health day was yesterday, but as a neurospicy emerging artist, I think it's important to talk about year-round. To preface, I think that everyone should at least be considering how their mental health is on a daily basis. I'm also not a trained psychologist, nor will I ever claim to be a mental health professional. If you can afford it, talk therapy can be an incredible tool to help you cultivate healthy mental habits. 

With all of that being said, let's talk about what helps me personally. Let's move in chronological order, from morning, afternoon, to evening. 

Morning:
  I really do think that the first hour of your day sets up how your day will go. I like to have a quiet morning, where I play soft, positive music and make myself a light breakfast. Allowing yourself time to breathe-and journal, if that's your thing-can really help ease you into a more lifted mindset throughout the day. During this time, I like to mentally prepare for the day ahead, do breathing exercises, and do my daily workout (Yoga or Pilates, but definitely yoga if I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed). Having little rituals during your day that you can enjoy also help keep you grounded! For me, that's making my morning small pot of tea, and lighting a scented-candle. I also like to clean during this time (when my schedule allows). 

  All of this for me plays into my mental health. Eating nutritionally balanced meals effects how you feel internally. Exercise is the biggest thing that helps me mentally, I find that my energy is more consistent throughout the day and I'm less likely to get overwhelmed if I've moved my body in the morning. I know that my brain HURTS if I don't have a cleanish space, so my morning cleaning time (both in household and body) lets me feel accomplished and satisfies my brain for the day ahead. My rituals are something I genuinely enjoy, they feel like small luxuries that i can indulge in. 

Afternoon: ​Take a moment to stand and do some quick stretching. Evaluate your posture, are you hunching? If work or studying is getting to be too frustrating, do a breathing exercise and take 3-5 minutes to focus on something else. Maybe make yourself a hot beverage, or drink some water. Again, eating a nutritious (for body and/or brain) meal can give you a boost of energy and get your brain right for the rest of your workday. 

Evening: The drive home or to rehearsal after work is so important for me personally. It allows me to have time to de-stress and process the day's events thus far, It also gives me an opportunity to vocalize before rehearsals with the opera, or to listen to music I like before I get home and practice. If I have the energy and time, I also like to go on a walk outside. I love being outdoors, and being in nature can really help me decompress. 

Once I'm done with practice or rehearsal, I like to make dinner for myself and my partner. If you've read my last post, you'll know I try to shove as many veggies into my dinners as I can. Finding new & fun ways to cook them is such a good way to keep yourself from getting bored of eating nutritiously.  I also use my air fryer religiously, especially when I'm exhausted from a long day.  Then, it's relaxing time until bed. 
~

It seems like after graduating college, life starts to move at a ridiculous pace. Taking time to appreciate aspects of your busy day, and looking at yourself in a positive light can really keep you from getting dragged down by the toil of living life in the way so many of us have to. 

Ultimately however, if you ever feel like your daily rituals and habits can't help, and you're in a dark place, please don't hesitate to seek help. It takes time to nail down a lifestyle that supports your mental health, so please don't beat yourself up if nothing changes for you immediately. We all have different brains, so we'll all have different things that will help us. 

What's your favorite ritual you like to enjoy?