Yep. Might as well be an oxymoron.
Just kidding. That would be a pretty depressing post, huh?
I'm no expert, but I have easily spent 75% of the last two years on tour - never mind the time I spent traveling before I started music. Based on my track record, I would gather to say it's likely i'll spend the majority of my life on the road in some capacity.
My first couple of runs were hard on my body. I gained weight, picked up ailments I'd never heard of, and self-medicated a severe tooth infection for months. Sexy, I know. The fact is: this is my life, not a free-for-all Vegas Vacation. Once I accepted that fact, my approach to touring changed dramatically.It's not always a linear process, but over all I've picked up quite a few tips for keeping myself happy & healthy on the road. These are a few of them.
PART I of II: Happy & Healthy Body
A) Exercise. It's cheaper than therapy. At home, I try to exercise five days a week. On the road - it's usually no different. I never know when something unexpected will come up, so I don't really plan my off-days. They just happen.
- Gym Membership: I use 24-Hour Fitness, but Anytime Fitness is another great option with a lot of locations all over the country. Bonus: after you exercise, you can use the showers & dressing rooms to get ready for your day (or in my case, gig).
- Local track/parks: This gets to be a lot of fun when you start to hit the same cities. I always look forward to jogging along the Mississippi when I'm in Memphis. Vitamin-D is also a natural anti-depressant (yay!)
- Gym Trial Membership: If there's no 24-Hour Fitness in the city I'm in, I usually scan gyms in the area till I find one that offers a free 1-week trial, or something like it. Sometimes you need a local address, so come prepared. Or just be honest; on several occasions I've bartered my CD for a trial membership. Try it. People are friendly.
- Just Bring it: Tennis shoes, yoga matt, light weights. None of these are even required, just get outside ya dork!
B) Eat healthy. I've been a vegetarian for over year now, but wasn't when I started touring. It's great because I can't just swing into McDonald's and pick up a burger, but not for everyone. Either way, here are a few ways I eat healthy on the road:
- Ice chest: I heard once of someone having two - one for dry food, and one for iced. I don't have that much room in my car, so I just stick to one.
- Grocery Stores: Cheaper than eating out, and often deli's will have prepared vegetables & sides to go. Normal rules apply, stick to the outer aisles and only eat things with ingredients you can pronounce. If you are on a tight budget like me, look up your local food stamp program. They usually have out-of-state options.
- Cook: I stay with friends most of the time, and bring extra tupperware for prepared meals. In exchange for use of their stuff, I'll sometimes cook extra for them or offer to make dinner one night. Falls right in line with my big fat liberal vegetarian agenda, too!
- IHOP/Subway: I just discovered IHOP can prepare healthier options of almost all of their plates. In fact, most restaurants will if you ask. Subway also has a killer $5 Footlong deal - I do the Veggie Delite, 8-Grain Wheat, pile on the veggies and avoid dressings.
- Livestrong/The Daily Plate: To gauge my calorie intake, I use the Livestrong App on my IPhone. You don't have to be a Nazi about it, but pairing up your daily exercise against bigger meals will give you a good picture of how much you should be eating.
- Research: I know. Yay, more homework! There are amazing websites online that list calorie count for chain restaurants, grocery stores, and food brands. Like this one.
C) Just say No. D.A.R.E. was right. I might get some flack for this, cause I like a good time as much as the next gal, but it's a big one.
- No drugs: Luckily, I suck at doing drugs. I don't enjoy them and never have. There are probably websites that can advise careful drug use. This isn't one of them. Don't do them.
- No jailbait: Drinks, that is. Boones Farm, Strawberry Margaritas, etc. Unless you have a death wish or need to relive your high school days, avoid the sugary-pink crap.
- No mixing: When I drink, I stick to whiskey. A trainer once told me to stick to clear liquors. You know the drill.
- Know your limits: You're not cooler when you drink, and you don't play better drunk. No one wants to make out with the dude who just threw up behind behind the stage. Think about it.
D) Build-Your-Own First Aid Kit. Whether you prefer over-the-counter or holistic only, you're putting your body through a lot of stress, so come prepared.
- Emergen-C: I know I said I don't use drugs, but I love this stuff so much I would snort it if I could. Which is a nice segway to my next point...
- Netty-Pot: On average I use mine once every other day. Twice a day when I feel a cold coming on.
- Multivitamins: I used to take pre-natal vitamins (for the extra vitamins. no baby on board). Now I take Greens, because I figure I won't always get in all the fruits & veggies I need.
- Protein Supplement: This makes a lot of sense for me - since (1) I workout a lot and (2) am a vegetarian. Most gyms & vitamin shops will have a cool little portable shaker-cup contraption for mixing shakes. I like using Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk for mine: only 40 calories a cup!
- PEANUT BUTTER: Worse case scenario. Not enough calories or protein? A spoon full of peanut butter.
- Water, water, water, water: Bring a water bottle, refill at gas station and pit stops for free.
E) *Rest. Take off your party pants, and slip on a pair of comfy boxers. Just not in public places, that would be illegal.
- Plan ahead: Know where you're staying before you get there. Not always possible as my schedule changes constantly, but Couchsurfing is an excellent resource for this. If I'm not staying with friends, fans or family, I Couchsurf.
- Hotel Points: My friend, Laura Meyer, has a credit card that adds points towards free hotel stays at Marriott Hotels. They come in handy when a surprise pops up, or she just plain needs a break from people.
- Worst case scenario: All else fails, though I strongly advise against it, WalMart provides free overnight parking for truckers & travelers. I'll be honest, I've done it a few times between long drives, and it sucks. Pack a pillow, and throw blanket. Hide your valuables, and keep your cell phone close by just in case (a friend of mine keeps 911 on speed dial).
- Eye mask: Ok it sounds silly, but you'll be surprised how many places you'll stay that have huge windows, lots of light, etc. For better, deeper sleep, use a mask.
*I'll extend a lot more on this one in my next post, "Happy & Healthy Mind."
