Behind the Scenes: A Normal Day for Armin van Buuren When Not on Stage

What does a typical day look like for Armin van Buuren when he is not commanding crowds at festivals or headlining world tours? Beyond the bright lights of EDM stages and the roar of thousands of fans, the Dutch DJ and producer maintains a structured routine that balances creativity, fitness, family, and relaxation. In this behind-the-scenes glimpse, we explore a normal day in the life of Armin van Buuren, revealing the habits and rituals that fuel his ongoing success.

Early Morning Routine

For Armin van Buuren, the day often begins before sunrise. He emphasizes the importance of starting early to maintain a healthy work–life balance. After switching off his alarm at 5:30 a.m., van Buuren spends the first 15 minutes practicing mindfulness, focusing on breathing exercises and setting positive intentions for the day. This self-care practice helps him cultivate mental clarity and resilience before diving into work.

Following meditation, he enjoys a nutrient-rich breakfast—typically oatmeal topped with fresh berries, nuts, and a glass of green juice. Nutrition plays a key role in Armin’s daily routine, providing the sustained energy required for long studio sessions and productive meetings.

Fitness and Well-Being

Maintaining peak physical health is critical for Armin van Buuren. After breakfast, he heads to his home gym or local studio for a one-hour workout. His regimen includes a mix of cardio, strength training, and interval exercises. On some days, he substitutes running or cycling outdoors, which also serves as a way to clear his mind and draw inspiration from nature.

Post-workout, van Buuren prioritizes recovery. He practices stretching and foam rolling to prevent injury and maintain flexibility—a must for someone who spends hours standing in front of a DJ booth. By integrating fitness and recovery into his routine, he preserves the endurance needed for demanding touring schedules.

Studio Sessions and Production Work

By mid-morning, Armin van Buuren transitions to his private studio. Here, he dedicates several hours to music production, songwriting, and sound design. His workspace is equipped with state-of-the-art digital audio workstations, modular synthesizers, and a carefully curated collection of samples and plugins.

During these sessions, van Buuren experiments with new sounds, refines track arrangements, and collaborates virtually with artists around the globe. He often schedules production blocks of 90 minutes, followed by short breaks, to maintain creative focus and prevent burnout. This disciplined approach ensures that his output remains fresh and innovative.

The Role of A State of Trance Radio

Another pillar of Armin van Buuren’s daily routine is preparing for his flagship radio show, A State of Trance (ASOT). He spends part of his afternoon curating tracks, recording voiceovers, and coordinating guest mixes. The show, which boasts millions of listeners each week, plays a crucial role in showcasing new talent and emerging trance subgenres.

Armin personally reviews hundreds of demos submitted by aspiring producers. His discerning ear and willingness to mentor newcomers help maintain ASOT’s reputation as a leading platform for EDM discovery. By championing fresh voices, van Buuren keeps the genre evolving and stays personally connected to the global music community.

Collaboration and Mentorship

Beyond solo work, Armin van Buuren allocates time to collaborate and mentor. Whether partnering with established artists or guiding winners of the ASOT Talent Contest, he views collaboration as a valuable learning experience. Virtual meetings and in-person studio days offer opportunities to exchange ideas, test new production techniques, and co-write tracks.

His mentorship extends to providing constructive feedback on mixdowns, arrangement choices, and mastering techniques. This commitment to developing the next generation of DJs and producers underscores his influence both on and off stage.

Downtime and Family Time

Despite a packed schedule, Armin van Buuren prioritizes quality family time. Late afternoons often find him enjoying board games or cooking dinner with his partner and children. He believes that maintaining strong personal relationships is essential to emotional well-being and long-term career sustainability.

These evening rituals provide a stark contrast to life on the road. By carving out time for loved ones, van Buuren cultivates a sense of normalcy that fuels his creativity and keeps him grounded.

Hobbies and Personal Interests

When not in the studio or at home, Armin van Buuren pursues hobbies that stimulate his mind and body. He is an avid reader of biographies, scientific journals, and philosophy texts—drawing parallels between these disciplines and music production. He also practices languages, often dedicating 20 minutes daily to brushing up on Spanish and French.

Outdoor adventures, like hiking and sailing, offer him a break from screens and provide fresh perspectives. These activities not only rejuvenate his spirit but also inspire new musical ideas.

Preparing for Upcoming Tours

Even on non-performance days, Armin van Buuren is constantly planning for the next tour. He reviews stage designs, liaises with production crews, and tests new lighting and visual setups. By coordinating closely with his team, he ensures that each show delivers an immersive experience for fans.

Tour preparation also involves logistical planning—scheduling flights, arranging accommodations, and managing travel fatigue. His proactive approach minimizes stress and helps him maintain peak performance on stage.

Self-Care and Mental Health

Armin van Buuren places great emphasis on mental health. He incorporates digital detoxes, setting aside entire evenings without screens or social media. Instead, he engages in journaling, creative brainstorming, or simply unwinding with classical music.

This practice allows him to reflect on career goals, track creative progress, and address any signs of burnout before they escalate.

Reflecting on Passion and Creativity

At the end of the day, van Buuren spends time reflecting on his creative journey. He revisits tracks in progress, listens to new music from emerging artists, and plans future projects. This reflection period helps him stay aligned with his artistic vision and ensures that passion remains at the heart of his work.

Maintaining curiosity and openness to new experiences is the key that keeps Armin van Buuren at the forefront of the EDM scene, even after decades in the industry.

Conclusion

A normal day for Armin van Buuren is anything but ordinary. By blending mindfulness, fitness, structured studio time, and meaningful connections with fans and family, he sustains the passion that propelled him to global stardom. These behind-the-scenes insights reveal that consistent routines, self-care, and a love for learning are the cornerstones of his enduring success. For aspiring artists and fans alike, Armin van Buuren offers a blueprint for balancing creativity, wellness, and personal life—proving that greatness is built both on stage and in the quiet moments of ordinary days.