Greetings from the West Region AGOYO! Our topic this month is Stress Relief, especially appropriate for those of us that hold church positions in this busy season! As the world speeds up around us during the holiday season, it is easy to get caught up in the stress and pressures of work and family life. Sometimes it’s hard to feel like there is time for everything! I have found that it is often helpful to take a step back from the things that are stressing me out, whether that means taking a long practice break or even taking a day off. Taking a day off and engaging in healthy self-care habits will help you to return to work the next day feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next challenge.
If you find yourself feeling burnt out as you confront the sheer volume of music you must learn this season, composer Eric Whitacre recommends returning to your original sources of joy in music: playing through your most favorite piece, listening to that symphony that you love, or making music with a small group of friends. The American Psychological Association offers five helpful tips for managing stress — you’ll find a link below. Perhaps most importantly, pay attention to what your body and mind are telling you.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and tired, try one of these techniques! Managing stress in a healthy way can not only increase your overall quality of life, but can also improve your productivity as a result. Best wishes for a happy and meaningful holiday season.
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