A sober festival season, here's how you do it
That one friend who used to always be at the front at all the festivals, getting drinks for everyone and lying in bed the morning after, is now hundreds of coins, shots, and cocktails later. For a few months now, she (along with many other festival-goers) has been sober at dozens of festivals. From house to techno, this is what she wants to share with you:
K3 fan or techno guru, find the right music
“Get tickets for a festival that you know you will enjoy the music of,”she says. Are you a true techno guru? Then indeed, do not go to an urban house-themed festival. Make sure you know which artists are performing and listen to their music beforehand. Did you know that music affects your emotions? You really don't need alcohol to feel good at a festival. Music activates the same areas of your brain as stress does; music at a festival can have a calming effect on your stress. Not only does music influence your stress level, but it can also determine your feelings in other areas.
Depending on the music you hear, you can feel happy, sad, energetic, or longing. What music evokes what feelings in you is based on your own experiences and is therefore different for everyone. Your brain associates music with events, and this is called the episodic memory. Okay, so figure out for yourself which music makes you feel happy and energetic, whether it's K3, house, or hard techno, it doesn't matter. Choose a festival with this genre and you can leave your Vodka Red Bull behind.
”Come on, one glass of wine won't hurt”
Next up: “Go with a fun group of friends,” she advises. Make sure you have fun people around you, that way you can be sure you'll feel good with the people around you. Be open with them beforehand about the fact that you are going sober, so there can be no confusion among each other. ”Come on, just one glass of wine then,” you won't hear that anymore. So, set your boundaries: if you don't want to drink, then you don't drink. And not even a little bit, because that will only make you tired.
“And girl, stay hydrated.” Drink enough water, especially on a sunny day. Tip: bring a rubber party cap . Often, the bar staff will take the cap off your water bottle, and if you bring your own cap, you can reuse your bottle. “There are so many delicious food stalls to be found at the festival site nowadays, make use of this too”; check, make sure you get enough energy from food.
Recharge
Don't dance the whole day/night through. If you need a break, grab a cola, take a walk, and “go on a side quest, I always find that fun to do”. Side quest? Yes, go explore, what is there to do at the festival, what fun people are there, and which stages have you not seen yet? Seek out other sober visitors, make new friends, and go on an adventure. No one can keep dancing and jumping at the front for 10 hours, and neither can you. Try Extra Joss or drink energy drinks for an extra energy boost. And the last thing our sober festival-goer wants to share: “Have fun, you're here for the music, the atmosphere, and the great experience, not for the drinking”.
