Whether you’re obsessed with your instrument (in a good way), preparing for a concert or striving to accomplish new goals, taking a break from practicing can bring on feelings of failure, guilt and even depression. But there are legitimate reasons to take a break from your practice, both for your emotional and physical health, and maybe for the health of those around you too.
Here’s when not to practice.
1. Right before and after a performance.
Practice sessions can be long and intense, so it’s a good idea to save your energy on the day of a performance and just to the warm-ups needed right before you perform. Similarly, performing is taxing. You’ve worked hard to prepare and perform, so it’s often wise to take a day to recover and perhaps revel in your hard work.
2. When you’re very tired.
Driving drunk and driving drowsy impair your brain in the same ways. So it follows that when you’re very tired it’s unlikely that you will retain what you practice. A better use of your time may be to get a good night’s sleep then start afresh when you have your wits about it.
3. When you’re injured or ill.
This should be obvious, but in American society we are often expected to “tough it out” to get things done. Athletes like Kerri Strug do it all the time. But if you don’t take a break when you’re injured, it takes longer to recover at best – and could give you permanent damage at the worst.
4. For life events.
Yes, music might be your life, but don’t forget there are people in your life, too. Take a break to go on a date, to attend others’ life events and to spend time with those you love. You will not regret building and maintaining relationships.
5. Just because you need a break.
You know when you need a break. Sometimes you feel like you hate your instrument, your teacher or your piece. It’s OK to ‘skip a beat’ and take a break to focus on something else so you can return to your work with fresh eyes and appreciation.