Wellness profile with conductor Joshua Weilerstein

Meet Joshua Weilerstein: a full-time conductor who balances performances, traveling, and a new podcast called Sticky Notes. I was especially intrigued to hear how he does it ALL while not compromising the performance level and his attitude. 

How would you describe your lifestyle?
I’m a traveling orchestral conductor.  I’m away from home approximately 26 weeks a year, traveling all over the world, both guest conducting, and working with the orchestra that I am Artistic Director of in Switzerland.  When I’m at home, I study scores for upcoming concerts and write and record my own podcast about classical music.

Describe a daily routine that makes you feel great.
I make a list every morning of the things I would like to accomplish during the day.  It’s incredibly satisfying to cross things off!  

What is one habit you would like to change?
I would like to not have the inevitable low period in the middle of the afternoon where I feel very unmotivated to keep working.

Do you exercise regularly?
Yes!  I have found an amazing program on Youtube called HASFIT.  I workout 5 times a week with it and it has truly changed my life since I started doing it almost two years ago.

What do you eat before performances?
I eat a pretty large meal, since conducting is such a physically draining form of activity.  I also eat a protein bar of some kind during intermission to make sure I have energy for the end of the concert.

How to you manage your anxiety or daily stress?
I try to meditate as much as possible and also unwind by taking walks and getting away from the news and from my work.

How do you deal with rejection? Can you share an example?
It’s tough - I try to let it motivate me as best I can.  Its a nice feeling to prove to yourself that someone made a mistake to reject you.