The little-known simple life of Armin van Buuren when he leaves the stage

When you think of Armin van Buuren, images of euphoric crowds, dazzling light shows, and booming trance beats instantly come to mind. As one of the world’s most recognizable DJs and a titan of the electronic dance music (EDM) scene, Armin commands sold-out arenas and major festival stages. But beyond the music, lasers, and fame lies a man whose off-stage life is far more simple and grounded than most would expect.

Let’s step behind the decks and uncover the little-known simple life of Armin van Buuren when he leaves the stage.

A World Icon Who Values Normalcy

Despite his global superstardom, Armin van Buuren remains deeply connected to his Dutch roots. Raised in Leiden, Netherlands, Armin has always kept his feet on the ground. He still resides in the Netherlands, not far from where he grew up, and prefers a lifestyle that’s calm, structured, and far removed from the chaos of the nightlife industry.

“I’m a normal guy with a not-so-normal job,” Armin once told a Dutch publication. That statement captures the essence of his identity—a family man, a tech geek, and an avid runner who happens to play music for millions.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

When the lights go down and the music fades, Armin van Buuren returns to a cozy, quiet life in Leiden, where he lives with his wife Erika and their two children. Despite his hectic tour schedule, he prioritizes spending quality time with his family, attending school functions, helping with homework, or just enjoying dinner at home.

This dedication to family is one of Armin’s defining traits. In a world where many artists become consumed by fame, Armin consciously makes time to be present. “I never wanted to be the father who’s always away,” he said in a documentary. “When I’m home, I’m really home.”

Early Morning Runs and Simple Routines

Another surprising aspect of Armin van Buuren’s simple life is his passion for early morning runs. While many might imagine him sleeping until noon after a late-night gig, Armin starts his days with jogs through the quiet Dutch countryside. Running clears his mind, keeps him healthy, and fuels his creative process.

“I solve most of my musical challenges while running,” he said in an interview. “It’s like therapy for me.”

His daily routine includes morning workouts, time with his kids, and hours in his home studio. Unlike the glamor of his on-stage persona, his studio is a place of intense focus and solitude—a stark contrast to the flashing lights of Ultra or Tomorrowland.

A Man of Technology and Books

While Armin is revered for his music, few know that he’s also a tech enthusiast and book lover. He’s passionate about innovation, often experimenting with new production software and sound design tools in his free time.

When he’s not mixing tracks, Armin dives into books ranging from psychology to science fiction. He’s particularly fascinated by the connection between music and the human brain, frequently reading up on how sound can influence emotions and cognitive states.

This intellectual curiosity is what fuels his longevity in the industry. Armin’s belief in continuous learning helps him stay ahead of trends while remaining true to his artistic identity.

Disconnecting from the Digital World

In a world increasingly dominated by social media, Armin van Buuren takes deliberate steps to disconnect. While he maintains a strong digital presence for his fans, Armin often switches off during his off days to spend uninterrupted time with his family or immerse himself in nature.

“I try to put my phone away for at least a few hours every day,” he revealed. “Otherwise, it never stops.” This mindfulness practice is part of how he maintains balance, especially given the immense pressure of performing and touring.

Mindfulness and Mental Health

Another little-known aspect of Armin van Buuren’s life off-stage is his focus on mental health. Being a top DJ comes with emotional and physical stress, and Armin has openly discussed the importance of mindfulness, meditation, and therapy in maintaining his well-being.

He credits his ability to stay grounded to these practices. “Meditation, journaling, and just being aware of my emotions have helped me navigate the ups and downs of this career,” he shared in an interview.

His openness about mental health has resonated with many fans, helping to destigmatize these important topics within the EDM community.

Gardening and Cooking: His Hidden Joys

You might be surprised to learn that Armin van Buuren also enjoys gardening and cooking. When he’s not in the studio or touring the world, you can find him working on his garden or experimenting with recipes in the kitchen. He finds peace in these everyday activities, often describing them as meditative and satisfying.

His favorite dishes? Dutch classics like stamppot and erwtensoep (pea soup). Cooking is not just a hobby—it’s a way for him to reconnect with his roots and share special moments with his loved ones.

Parenting: His Most Important Role

While many see him as a musical legend, Armin sees himself primarily as a father. His children are the centerpiece of his life. From school drop-offs to bedtime stories, he takes on parenting with the same passion he brings to his music.

He’s even mentioned how his kids have influenced some of his tracks. “Their laughter, their questions—it all becomes part of the inspiration,” he said.

Despite his demanding schedule, Armin tries to keep a sense of normalcy at home, ensuring his children grow up grounded and connected to real-life values.

Giving Back: Charity and Advocacy

Outside his music and family life, Armin van Buuren is also involved in various charitable causes. He has supported organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and campaigns focusing on mental health awareness and children’s rights.

In 2019, he was even knighted by the Dutch royal family for his contributions to music and society—a rare honor that speaks to both his professional excellence and his civic values.

Staying Humble in the Spotlight

One of the most admirable traits of Armin van Buuren is his humility. Despite decades at the top of the music world, he treats every new opportunity with gratitude. He’s the type of artist who still gets excited before a set, who still personally replies to fan messages, and who always thanks the crew behind the scenes.

For Armin, it’s never been about being a superstar. It’s always been about the music, the people, and the energy they share.

Conclusion: A Life of Balance and Purpose

While millions know Armin van Buuren as the king of trance and a global EDM icon, few realize that beneath the fame lies a man dedicated to living a simple, purposeful life. Whether he’s jogging through Dutch fields, reading about cognitive psychology, or tucking his kids into bed, Armin embraces the ordinary with as much passion as he does the extraordinary.

His story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of personal peace. In fact, it’s his balanced, grounded lifestyle that likely fuels his creative genius and enduring relevance in a fast-changing industry.

So the next time you see Armin lighting up the mainstage with an explosive set, remember—once the final beat drops, he steps away not into chaos, but into a world of tranquility, family, and quiet joy.