| Author |
Subject |
phesketh
Registered User
(9/20/00 3:09:32 pm)
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STRESS
....
ok ... I am looking for ideas ... my
stress levels have been skyrocketting lately ... and I find it makes
practicing quite difficult (actually it makes it quite dificult to
please myself ... and no doubt I am not getting the right arm weight
on the bow arm).
How do you relax before practicing ?
Do
you start with something simple that you enjoy and attempt to relax
while practicing ?
Usually I try and wind down before I pick
up the cello (this usually involves petting the cats and reading for
an hour or two). but I could use some new ideas ...
Things I
have tried
- the lying on the floor and relaxing each muscle from
toes to head one at a time ... (usually works unless cat jumps on
stomach at wrong time ...
note: 20lb cat ...) but sometimes I
fall asleep ... or lose motivation to do much after this ...
any good ideas for stress release ?
or ways to make your
stress work for you on the cello ?
I am working on lessening
the cause of the stress but that looks like it may be a longer
(roughly 5mos) plan and I don't want to stop playing and lose
technique.
Paula
|
Betsy
C 
Registered User
(9/20/00 3:33:49 pm)
|
Re:
STRESS ....
Hi Paula, this is what works for me
and it is good, old fashioned physical exercise. I lift weights and
use my treadmill pretty faithfully. Sometimes nothing works, but if
I am consistent it does pay off. We adults tend to have so much else
to do besides playing/practicing and it makes it hard to find a
balance sometimes. Give exercise a try! Best of luck to you.
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Bobbie
Registered
User
(9/20/00 3:34:53 pm)
|
Re:
STRESS ....
I can empathize. I'm teaching an
overload and already (we're in our fourth week) gotten sick twice
and (as you can see if you read the other board) gotten
crabby.
One thing I find helps to wind down is to take a
walk. (That is, if it isn't 100+ outside with unhealthy air, as it
is here right now.) That usually relaxes my shoulder muscles better
than progressive muscle relaxation does.
Also, I think it
helps to have some music that you can play when you feel stressed or
angry or sad... find pieces that fit your various moods, that aren't
difficult, and use them as warmups.
On the other hand, there
is a thing called "Alternative stress." It actually helps relax you
to work hard on something cello-related and take your mind off the
rest of the stuff. So a hard exercise or piece that requires all of
your concentration will often help you get into practice and get
your mind off stressful situations.
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lblake
Registered
User
(9/20/00 10:17:07 pm)
|
Re:
STRESS ....
Don't forget to breathe. A few deep,
full, concentrated breaths can do remarkable things. I second the
exercise notion, too - it's a very good idea. At the very least,
something to get muscles warm, then some good, long, sustained
stretching. (stretching is one of the most under-rated
exercises)
Also, yes, I start with whatever I feel like
playing, and do my scales and exercises in the middle or even end of
my practice.
Good luck. Too much stress is bad.
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pnorris
Registered User
(9/20/00 11:22:12 pm)
|
Re:
STRESS ....
It all depends on whether or not
your stress is coming from the cello or somewhere else. Sometimes
the stress level in my non-cello life really interferes with getting
anything done on the cello. If I can recognize that is what it going
on, I ease off on the pressure I put on myself in regards to the
cello until things work themselves out. Also in the past I have
alternated hard/easy days. On my hard days I would really
concentrate on a passage or two I wanted to master, and an etude. On
easy days I would work on tone quality and slow intonation
exercises. Also a nice cup of tea works wonders...
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