“Being a teenager is challenging, stressful, and at times can be overwhelming,” says Dr. Jake Levy, a founding member of the Marching Music Health, Wellness & Safety Project, a program of Drum Corps International.
Levy, a licensed psychologist and specialist in performance psychology, offers a few coping strategies to help marching arts performers navigate an increasingly complicated world today and every day!
First, Dr. Levy reminds, “You are not alone, and there are people in your life who care about you and want to listen and help you achieve your goals. Reaching out to trusted friends, family, or mentors is very important.”
In the world of marching music, this network of support often includes instructors and veteran student leaders as well as directors and administrative staff members.
Dr. Levy offers a few additional techniques to help you enjoy “scoring a win” in your daily routine.
“It’s important to take time to connect with the world,” Levy says. “So be sure to budget time to put down your digital devices and do something for yourself every day.”
His self-care suggestions include:
- Actively relaxing: Breathing exercises, practicing mindfulness techniques and enjoying meditation can really help to maintain balance and focus.
- Being creative: When you’re not on the field, floor or practice room, dig even deeper into your creative side by making art, creative writing, or exploring other forms of making-music.
- Being active: Exercise, dance, yoga — get moving. Marching arts performers should keep moving even during the “off-season” (if there is such a thing!).
- Getting outside: Make the time to surround yourself with nature! Take time to do activities outdoors.
- Breaking stuff down: Multitasking is a myth! Break big things into smaller, more manageable parts.
Other Mental Wellness Resources on #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay
The Hollister Confidence Project
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About Dr. Levy
Jacob Levy, Ph.D., is Associate Professor, Counseling Psychology, at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. An alum of The Cavaliers of Rosemont, Illinois, Dr. Levy is a founding member of the Marching Music Health, Wellness & Safety Project, a program of Drum Corps International.