Drum Teaching and Coping With Burn Out
When you are starting to feel better, take a step back, prioritise your workload and consider how much you are taking on. What can wait? Be honest with yourself. If you are selfmedicating with drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, sex, porn or self-harm, it’s important for you to reach for support. Visit your GP and tell a trusted friend, family member or colleague about your situation. Unhealthy coping mechanisms may seem like they’re helping you manage but it
is momentary and they’re increasing the stress that your body and brain is under.
Furthermore they will likely lead to many more complex issues. You can find a list of resources and help available on our My Drum Lessons website. Burn out indicates that you have been misreading, ignoring or dismissing the signals
your body is sending you about how you are coping and what it needs. Think of your body as a barometer for how you are doing inside. Learn to identify how your body responds to stress. Where do you feel it? Where does your body store tension? (e.g. across shoulders, stomach issues, headaches, tension in your jaw).
Consider how you can support your body better by helping it to release tension and stress. Take your recovery seriously and give yourself a break, even from drumming if necessary.
