Introducing #RestClub: The different types of rest needed by people working in music

Working in the music industry is often exhilarating and rewarding, but the intense highs, late nights, frequent travel, and job insecurity can wear us down over time.

Good quality sleep isn’t always easy for people working in music due to our irregular working hours. But have you ever felt exhausted even after a good night’s sleep? That’s because there are seven different types of rest we need, according to experts.

For Stress Awareness Month, Music Minds Matter is partnering with several allies to bring you weekly online #RestClub sessions.

If you're part of Attitude is Everything, Black Lives in Music, We Are The Unheard, FAC, or MMF, you can sign up directly through your organisation.

We are also inviting everyone across music to join in committing to #RestClub by sharing online your commitment to adding more rest into your week, and how you’re doing so.

Read on to find out more about the small actions we can take each day to feel more rested.

Physical rest

Many jobs in music are physically demanding. And though it may seem self-contradictory, ‘active’ physical rest, such as light stretching, yoga, or going for a walk, can give our bodies the reset they need.

Good sleep is also key, but it’s not always easy—especially if you're a touring musician. Small changes, like avoiding screens before bed, taking a hot shower, and minimising noise and light in your environment, can help.

Mental rest

Whatever your role in music, it’s likely your days are packed full of mental processing, from decision-making to problem-solving. If you’re struggling with brain fog, poor motivation, or irritability, you may need some mental rest.

Take regular breaks throughout the day. You could also practice mindfulness by immersing yourself in an activity like cooking, washing the dishes or deep breathing, noticing sensations and allowing thoughts to come and go without judgment.

Emotional rest

Financial worries, career comparisons, and industry pressures can be emotionally exhausting. It’s important we find ways to express our difficult emotions, without airbrushing them for the benefit of others.

Try sharing your feelings with someone you trust. You could also journal, writing down any troubling thoughts and feelings at the end of each day.

Social rest

Social rest isn’t just about being alone—it’s about choosing to spend time with people who make you feel understood and allow you to be yourself, without expecting anything in return. Try doing something you enjoy together, such as going for a jog, trying a new restaurant, or simply relaxing at home.

Sensory rest

More than most, people employed in the music industry experience sensory overload. We frequently work in noisy, crowded environments which assault our senses. What’s more, many musicians are now also expected to be content creators, and too much time on social media can also contribute to sensory overwhelm.

Find quiet, dimly-lit spaces to unwind, even for a few minutes. Take breaks from screens and social media, and engage in calming activities like listening to gentle music or reading a book.

Creative rest

Imagine the following scenario. You want to generate some new ideas in your work, so you set aside time to get creative. You let others know you’re not to be disturbed. In a quiet room, you sit in front of a blank page, but your creative spring is dry. You do the same again the next day, and the next. But the harder you try, the less creative you feel, and the more frustrated you become.

If this sounds familiar, you may need some creative rest. Have a change of scenery, spend time in nature, or immerse yourself in new music, art, or literature.

Spiritual rest

Spiritual rest involves finding greater meaning beyond your immediate circumstances and seeing the bigger picture. For some, this means prayer or meditation. For others, it’s meaningful personal reflection, volunteering, or connecting with your community.

Making rest a priority

Music is more than just a job for many of us. But this means that it’s easier for the lines between our work and our personal lives to become blurred.

To get enough rest, you may need to manage feelings of guilt and be firm with yourself and others. Practice self-compassion, and remember that it is not possible for anyone to be constantly productive. You can also reframe rest, seeing it not as a luxury but a necessary activity for your health and your career.

For Stress Awareness Month, we’re encouraging people working in music to set an intention to rest, and share in email signatures or via conversations with colleagues how they’re doing so.

Adequate rest is essential for good mental and physical health. It not only prevents burnout, but also ensures we can perform our best and enjoy our work in music as much as possible.