What Musicians and Athletes Can Learn From Each Other About Stress

Constant criticism and competition create a mental health challenge for these elite performers

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Classical musicians and elite athletes might not appear to have much in common. One is concerned with artistry, the other with physicality. But whether they are on the stage or the field, holding a violin or football, there is a constant pressure for them to perform under the spotlight.This ongoing stress can mean classical musicians and elite athletes face similar mental health challenges that fans and followers never know about.

Musicians may play physically demanding instruments, commit to heavy rehearsal and performance schedules, experience unstable employment, and endure constant audience and peer criticism.