Over the past three months, I've been on a whirlwind tour across the country, partnering with Hard Rock Cafe to promote my new album "Fight the Fear" and my non-profit, YES Youth Coaching, which stands for Youth Empowerment through Songwriting [but also applies to singing, if I'm being honest!]. This tour has taken me through almost 20 cities, with performances in Chicago, Myrtle Beach, Palm Beach, and many others, with unexpected turns along the way, including missing planned shows in Houston and Cleveland due to unforeseen circumstances [*ahem* tornadoes].

This intense tour schedule, coupled with the constant travel and irregular routines, has taught me some invaluable life lessons that, if I'm being honest, resonates well beyond the music scene.

What can I say? The intersection between music and life are... hard to ignore. So let's dig in, shall we?

Establish a Routine

Maintaining some semblance of routine is vital, especially when life is unpredictable. On tour, I made it a point to wake up at [roughly] the same time each morning to engage in physical activities like yoga or meditation before breakfast.

This practice wasn't just about physical health; it set a positive tone for the day, boosting my overall health and helping me handle stress more effectively. Starting the day with a personal win, especially under the taxing conditions of a tour, reinforced my emotional and mental fortitude.

Prioritize Personal Time

The importance of taking time for yourself cannot be overstated. Being constantly in the company of others—whether band members, interns, or friends — can be emotionally draining. Even when I travel with my husband: it's important that we spend a few hours apart from each other each week.

During this tour, I ensured I took at least an hour each day for activities that refilled my emotional cup.

Whether it was yoga, exploring the city we were visiting, or engaging in a conversation with a stranger [which I do a lot - especially if they have a puppy!], these moments of solitude are crucial for maintaining mental health and social wellbeing.

Be Adaptable

Bruce Lee's saying to "be like water" holds true, especially on the road. Whilst his full quote was "be like water - making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it", I find this particularly helpful for life on the road.

Life is full of unexpected challenges, like the tornadoes that rerouted us from our ability to play in Cleveland to our night sleeping with cockroaches in Atlanta [that's a long story]. Learning to be resilient and flexible in the face of such challenges is a key skill, allowing you to adjust and move forward without losing enthusiasm.

Connect with Others

Facing new audiences, especially in unfamiliar cities during a contentious election season, was, I'm not going to lie, a little daunting at times.

One tactic I learned a few years ago that I've found particularly effective, however, was to connect with the seemingly most intimidating person in the room. By focusing on making my performance about them, I transformed my nervous energy into a desire to connect, which then transformed the performance into a powerful show of both empathy and connection. This approach not only alleviates personal anxiety but also fosters a deeper sense of community and understanding across diverse groups.

I found this particularly helpful during our show in Biloxi, MS. Now, I should mention: that show was awesome, but about 45minutes in to our performance, I realized we were in the deep south with some very different perspectives on what living in a "great" America might look like. However, I decided to channel all of my energy into falling in love [not fear or nervousness] with my audience, and after our second set I was met by several tables thanking us for our positivity and love.

That's a success in my book. 

Remember Your 'Why'

It's easy to lose sight of your purpose when faced with adverse experiences, but for me, when things got a little... challenging, it was helpful to remind myself that this tour was about more than music; it was about empowering teens to express their feelings and embrace their voices through songwriting.

Remembering this 'why' kept me motivated and focused, even when the road got tough. And sharing that why made it even easier. For example, being able to talk about the stories behind my songs provided a platform not only for my own expression but also encouraged young people to explore their emotions through music.

So what does this have to do with you?

These lessons from the road are applicable to anyone, regardless of profession. Whether you’re dealing with the pressures of touring or the everyday stressors of life, I hope these tips can help you maintain your mental and emotional health when things get stressful, overwhelming or triggering. The road has taught me that our ability to thrive is greatly influenced by our daily habits, our resilience in the face of adversity, and our commitment to our personal missions.

Remember, life isn't just about enduring challenges—it's about learning from them to become stronger and more connected to ourselves and others. Whether you're a musician, a parent, an entrepreneur, or someone exploring your path, these lessons can guide you to a healthier, more fulfilling life, and more stable mental health.

And if you, like me, like to document that journey in a way that helps remind you of your power, your voice and your resilience: perhaps empowerment through songwriting might be for you. Want to learn more about how music and songwriting can benefit you, your life, and even your teenager? Let's hop on a call to discuss your goals, your roadblocks, and how songwriting can provide an excellent roadmap toward better mental health.

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

x

Emma G