Rave, EDM, and music festivals can be a hell of a rollercoaster, right? They are indeed the best way to spend time with friends and enjoy some of your favorite artists and bands as you make memories that will last a lifetime. But on the other hand, they can also be a physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming experience.
With the combination of lack of sleep, excessive sun exposure, and hardcore partying in brute festival outfits, you can easily find yourself wondering how to handle the aftermath of a music festival. Or else said - after a long weekend of dancing, drinking, and listening to great music, you'll likely feel a bit worn out and need some downtime and peace.
To help you out, we've put together this out-and-out guide to music festival recovery, listing the 10 best tips for recovering and getting back to feeling your best after a weekend of fun.
#1 Rehydrate
Festival dehydration can result in unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and irritability. So, make sure to bring a reusable water bottle with you on the festival grounds to begin with.
If too much sun, dances, and probably alcohol have left you poorly hydrated anyway, make sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body during your festival recovery days.
If you're feeling really parched and unwell, you can also add sports drinks to your water to restock with electrolytes.
#2 Rest Well
Getting the recommended 8 hours of night sleep during a festival would be a waste of time, wouldn't it? But once you've satisfied your needs for fun and emotion, you'll have to once again think about the needs of your body.
After you come back home, try to get as much sleep as possible. This can be hard to do, especially if you've been partying all night, but it's essential for recovery. Again, aim for at least 8 hours of sleep, and try to make up for any lost sleep from the night before.
#3 Eat Nutritious Food
Eating junk food all weekend can take a toll on your body, so try to make sure you get some real food in your system. Grabbing a salad, a handful of fresh fruits, nuts, and superfoods is a good way to go if you want to be back on track quickly.
If you pack some healthy snacks and meals to bring with you on-site, you can easily skip this step. All you need is a couple of extra preparation hours to spare you the discomfort of improper nutrition.
#4 Enjoy The Silence
Music has a unique way of stimulating the human brain, and you already know that well enough. So after days in a row of feeling hyper-emotional, you will do yourself a good favor if you just pause and lay still in the quietness.
You can fill the temporary void with a refreshing nap, an episode or two of your comforting TV show, your favorite book, or just your thoughts.
#5 Don't Overdo It
Once you've gathered momentum, the thought of an afterparty and an after-afterparty can be tempting enough. It's just you refusing to let go of the euphoric feeling of freedom and excitement that a festival brings. And it's also you doing more harm than good.
If you get caught up in the spirit of the festival, you can end up doing too much to yourself. Know your limits, and don't push yourself too hard because that could be a shortcut to a classic post-festival depression episode.
#6 Take a Longer Break
After a long festival, taking at least a few weeks to break from the rave scene can benefit your mental and physical health. Instead of planning your next party, spend some time doing activities that you find relaxing and enjoyable, such as reading, writing, or listening to music.
It's all about restoring your balance and appreciating things in life that are not necessarily loud, bombastic, and adrenaline-packed.
#7 Go Outdoors
Nothing feels better than the fresh air on your face when you're not in top shape. So after you take that long and well-deserved post-festival nap, just jump into your joggers and take a long walk outside.
If you feel like it, you can also exercise outdoors. Exercise helps to boost endorphins and improve circulation, which - on the other hand - can help to reduce fatigue and soreness. Try to stick to low-impact activities like yoga or walking to help reduce the risk of further exhaustion or injury.
#8 Recap and Cherish Your Experiences
You've taken some pictures and videos during the festival, right? Well, watch them, share them, and let your friends know about the absolute delight you've participated in! Then, instead of being sad it's over, be super grateful that it happened.
If you're not exactly a social media animal, you can also stick to more traditional ways to save these moments forever. Print your photos, make a festival diary, or write down a recap of the last few days to make sure they stay with you forever.
#9 Consider Taking a Supplement
Taking a supplement like magnesium can help you relieve the effects of fatigue after a music festival. It can also stack your body with electrolytes and ease muscle soreness after a long weekend of dancing and running around the festival grounds.
Always take dietary supplements with caution and consult your physician if you have any unusual symptoms that last longer than a day after the festival.
#10 Talk To Someone
Having a well-functioning support system is essential for your emotional recovery after a rave festival, as it can help to reduce stress levels and boost your mood.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, make sure to talk to a friend or family member. Invite them over for a cup of coffee or a movie night, share your experiences, and communicate your thoughts.
If you feel that post-festival depression is really intense, it's totally fine to seek help from a professional and get through the period with minimum effort and maximum efficiency.
Following these tips can help you to cherish the great time you've had and have an enjoyable, safe, and healthy recovery once you get home.