The Ultimate Rave Recovery Checklist

Written by Ade Ramos (@VibewithAde)

Let’s face it: going to festivals can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. How many times have you gone to a festival and then gotten the wook flu? Or dealt with post-rave blues? Dealing with post-festival recovery can be rough if you aren’t prepared. We’ve got you covered with our Ultimate Rave Recovery Checklist so that you can feel relaxed and healthy after each festival you go to.

Note: We aren’t medical professionals so some of these recommendations may be dependent on you. You can always refer to a medical professional for some of these recommendations.

Pre and During the Festival 

Festival recovery doesn’t just start after the festival is over. It also starts with how you take care of yourself before the festival and during. Some of the key things could include staying hydrated throughout the weekend and eating full meals. Stretching your body throughout the festival. Taking certain supplements can also boost your immunity and help with sleeping too. 

(peep our Ultimate Rave Prep Checklist for more)

Sleep

The moment you return from your festival, sleep is the ultimate priority. You might’ve lost a lot of sleep over the festival weekend so it’s important for you to catch up on sleep. Make sure you’ve taken time off of work so that you can catch up and reset your sleep schedule will benefit you. It’ll ensure you don’t get sick and that your body has time to recuperate. Even if you still have to go to work just make sure outside of work you are resting and catching up on sleep.

Hydration

Another key recovery point is to rehydrate your body. You’re dancing and sweating a lot throughout the festival, so it’s crucial to replenish yourself. Dehydration can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and sluggishness, hindering your body's ability to recover effectively. Ensuring you're drinking enough water or utilizing hydration sticks like LiquidIV or LMNT can help maintain proper hydration levels and replenish electrolytes lost through sweating. Hydration not only supports physical recovery but also aids in mental clarity, allowing your mind and body to start bouncing back from the festival's toll. Making hydration a priority post-festival can significantly expedite the recovery process, helping you return to your vibrant, energetic self in no time.

Nutrition / Supplements

One crucial aspect often overlooked is the role of nutrition and supplements in this post-festival recuperation process. After days of indulging in less-than-ideal food options and possibly overdoing it with alcohol or other substances, our bodies crave nourishment and restoration. Prioritizing a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can aid in replenishing depleted nutrients, supporting our immune systems, and restoring energy levels. Additionally, targeted supplements such as electrolytes, B vitamins, and probiotics can help rebalance our bodies and aid in the recovery process, ensuring we bounce back quicker and feel revitalized after the festival haze dissipates. Investing in proper nutrition and supplements post-festival is not just about feeling better at the moment but also about supporting our long-term health and well-being.

Movement

It can be easy to get back from a music festival and want to just lay in bed and rot all day. While it might not be the best idea to jump straight back into intense physical activity like hitting the gym, engaging in some light stretching and gentle walking can work wonders for your muscles and overall well-being. Stretching helps to alleviate stiffness and tension accumulated from hours of dancing and standing, promoting flexibility and range of motion. Similarly, taking leisurely walks can stimulate blood flow, aiding in the removal of toxins from your muscles, which can help reduce soreness and accelerate recovery. Incorporating these gentle activities into your post-festival routine not only provides physical benefits but also helps uplift your mood and re-energize your spirit, making the transition back to your daily routine smoother and more enjoyable.

Life

As for easing back into your life after a music festival, it's important to take things slow and prioritize what truly matters. It can feel overwhelming to try to jump back into the flow of your daily responsibilities after days of indulgence and revelry. Take it one day at a time, giving yourself permission to rest and recuperate fully. If needed, consider taking a day or two off from work to allow yourself ample time to recharge both physically and mentally. Don't hesitate to carve out a weekend solely dedicated to recovery, using the time to catch up on any neglected tasks or errands that may have accumulated while you were away. By giving yourself the space and grace to ease back into your routine gradually, you'll be better equipped to face the demands of everyday life with renewed energy and vigor. Remember, self-care isn't selfish—it's essential for maintaining your overall well-being and vitality.

Stay Prepped This Festival Season

These are some of the key things after a festival that can prevent you from getting sick and help you shake those post-festival blues. It can be sad to come back from a festival, but the beauty is that there’s always another festival experience to look forward to. Stay healthy this festival season and be prepared! Check out our other blog posts with plenty of tips, advice, and recommendations!