We’re glad you’re joining us for more industry conversations. This month, I would like to give over my Editor’s Note to Kara Kemp, General Manager for Touring Career Workshops out of Nashville. The Touring Career Workshop (TCW) is a valuable, yet free, annual event created by Chris Lisle and Erik Parker designed to serve and educate their colleagues in the touring music industry. TCW has been putting a focus on the human resources for touring professionals since 2011. Kara created a blog post for May, which was Mental Health Awareness Month, but since Mental Health is a topic which we need to be addressing all throughout the year, PLSN wanted to share this. When asked about amplifying her Finding Balance post, Kara replied, “Leveling up our awareness on mental health is at the forefront for us at TCW and me… so any way we can share knowledge and insight is all the better in my books!” I agree and thank Kara, Chris and the whole team at TCW for their efforts to support the live entertainment community and being part of the industry conversation.
A GUIDE TO FINDING BALANCE
Here at Touring Career Workshop, we’re dedicated to fostering open conversations and providing valuable resources to support mental well-being. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and find accessible methods for resetting our minds. One such method that we find incredibly helpful is the “54321 Method,” a simple yet effective way to ground yourself and alleviate stress in moments of overwhelm. Let’s dive in and explore how you can incorporate this technique into your routine.
What is the 54321 Method?
The 54321 method is a mindfulness exercise designed to bring your attention back to the present moment and calm your mind. It’s a technique that can be practiced anytime, anywhere, making it incredibly accessible for live event professionals seeking quick relief from stress or anxiety.
How to Practice the 54321 Method:
Identify 5 Things You Can See: Take a moment to look around and notice five things in your environment. It could be the color of the walls, a piece of artwork, or even the texture of your clothing. Engage your senses fully and observe each object with curiosity.
Acknowledge 4 Things You Can Touch: Next, shift your focus to the sense of touch. Identify four things you can physically touch. It might be the ground beneath your feet, the warmth of a cup of tea in your hands, or the softness of a blanket. Pay attention to the sensations and textures.
Notice 3 Things You Can Hear: Tune into your auditory surroundings and identify three sounds you can hear. It could be the hum of traffic outside, the rustle of leaves in the wind, or the sound of your own breath. Allow yourself to become fully present in the moment.
Recognize 2 Things You Can Smell: Take a deep breath and notice two scents in your surroundings. It might be the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the scent of flowers, or the fragrance of your favorite candle. Allow the smells to ground you in the present moment.
Focus on 1 Thing You Can Taste: Finally, bring your attention to your sense of taste. If you have something nearby to taste, such as a piece of fruit or a mint, take a moment to savor it. If not, simply focus on the taste lingering in your mouth from your last meal or drink.
By engaging your senses in this way, you can effectively shift your focus away from racing thoughts or overwhelming emotions and anchor yourself in the present moment. The 54321 method serves as a valuable tool for finding moments of calm amidst the chaos of everyday life.
We hope you will prioritize your well-being and explore accessible techniques like the 54321 method to support your mental health journey. Remember, self-care is not selfish—it’s essential. Incorporating simple practices into our daily lives can make a significant difference in managing stress and promoting overall wellness.
At TCW, we’re committed to providing resources and support to help you thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically. Together, let’s embrace every opportunity to prioritize self-care and foster a culture of openness and compassion surrounding mental health. How do you incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine? Share your favorite techniques with us and join us in promoting mental health awareness at bit.ly/MHA_TCW.
TCW works to make a tangible difference in the overall well-being of all the individuals in the live entertainment community. To learn more about TCW and the work that they do, go to: www.touringcareerworkshop.com
If you have topics or issues you would like to share with the industry in PLSN please contact me at meddy@timelesscom.com
