Washington, D.C. - MusiCares The Healthy Hustle: Managing Your Mind and Your Money Panel

On December 10, the Washington, D.C. Chapter and MusiCares hosted The Healthy Hustle: Managing Your Mind and Your Money and free Dental Clinic provided by Smile Virginia at The Gibson Guitar Showroom. Guests enjoyed an intimate, organic dialogue with the panelists who spoke on balancing a hectic, unsteady career in the music industry with staying physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy while maintaining financial responsibility.

Professor, fitness coach, and nutritionist Vanessa Ballard began with a 15-question quiz which enabled members to self reflect on their personal level of physical health. She made a point to assure everyone that taking small steps was the best way to take control over improving nutritional habits. Professor Ballard offered simple tips on what and what not to eat, portion control and stressed the importance of drinking water and eating breakfast daily.

Psychologist Dr. James Ballard then shared tips on how to keep the mind fit. He explained that, because the music industry typically prioritizes high-quality performance above health and well-being, improvements in mental wellness will enable artists and professionals to enjoy working toward their passion. 

Rounding out the first panel, holistic coach Dr. Mark Brodsky, demonstrated key exercises with participants. Exercises varied from monitoring the posture to identifying pressure points, and each was designed to be easily incorporated into a daily regimen. Not only did instrumentalists and vocalists find this informative, but students and the event photographer also found them particularly helpful.

Before financial advisor Greg Aloia took over with the Managing Your Money panel, participants were treated to a lunch sponsored by Merzi, O.N.E. Coconut Water, and popchips. Mr. Aloia then brainstormed with participants and encouraged them to think about money beyond the "root of all evil" or merely a resource.  Members shared their earliest negative and positive memories of money and Aloia offered resources for further research on financial management and investing.

Once the panels had finished, many participants stayed to speak with the panelists, attend the MusiCares dental clinic, and take advantage of free massages.

Click here to check out more photos from the event!