Okay, so you’ve got your microphone, camera, and livestream all set up. You’ve just done a quick check of how you look on camera (and are still feeling good about it). But NOW what?
There’s an art to getting into the right frame of mind before you go live. And it’s not just about having fun—it’s about making sure your energy levels are high and that you are ready to engage with your audience.
If you’re having a hard time getting into a good mood before your next livestream, try these seven tips:
1. Check in with yourself and ask how you’re feeling.
Check in with yourself and ask how you’re feeling: Are you feeling nervous or excited? Is there anything going on in your life that might affect your performance? If so, it’s worth taking some time to think about how those factors might impact your performance.
If it’s a good day, great! If not, don’t worry—just take a minute to take a few deep breaths, maybe get up and get some water or go for a walk around the block (if possible).
2. Give yourself some alone time
You don’t want to go into your livestream feeling rushed or stressed out. Take some time before you begin to relax and settle into what you’re about to do. It could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths and reminding yourself that you’re about to have fun, but it also helps to take a few minutes away from social media and other distractions so that you can focus on what’s ahead.
3. Listen to some calming music
You probably have some favorite tunes that will help you feel relaxed and ready for the day. If not, just find something on Spotify that sounds good and play it softly in the background as you do your prep work for the stream!
4. Meditate or practice mindfulness
This one is optional, but sometimes it’s nice to take a few minutes to clear your head before engaging with others on camera—and if you don’t have time for something formal, just try closing your eyes and breathing deeply for five minutes or so before starting up again!
There are short youtube videos that can help you relax and focus. I like to use them when I’m feeling tired or stressed. There is also a whole bunch of guided meditations on YouTube that help you to get into the right mindset. The best way to learn mindfulness is through practice, so try doing this everyday for at least 5 minutes and see how you feel after a few weeks or months of regular practice.
5. Eat and drink something healthy
Eat something healthy! If possible, grab an apple or banana before starting up your stream—it’ll give you an energy boost when you need one most!
If you need something more substantial grab a quick sandwich or wrap from a nearby deli or grocery store or make one yourself before starting your show.
Drink plenty of water or sports drinks. This will help keep your body hydrated while you’re playing and prevent dehydration from setting in during your DJ set.
6. Check your background
Make sure that whatever is going on in the background of your stream isn’t too distracting or noisy—you want people to focus on YOU!
Make sure your space is free from clutter and unnecessary items. This will keep your mind focused on what you want out of the experience: being able to connect with others through music!
7. Prepare your equipment
Set up all of your equipment well in advance. Make sure you’ve got plenty of time to set up and test. Ensure that every piece of gear is working and ready to go. You don’t want any technical issues to distract from your performance or cause delays in getting started.
If something goes wrong during your broadcast, it’s better to stop and start again than to try to fix things while you’re broadcasting.
Conclusion
I hope these tips will help you get into a positive frame of mind when you’re preparing to DJ on Twitch, Youtube Live or wherever you broadcast.
I find that a happy, energised me is much more likely to make interesting and engaging mixes and content than a tired or grumpy me. Adopting a positive mindset before streaming will ensure you deliver the best experience for both you and your audience.
