We’re getting to that time of the year when festival line-ups are being announced and many of us have our tickets ready and are beginning to think about what we wear and who we’re going to see.
Festival season is always exciting, but they can be heavy weekends, with temptation on every corner too. For people who have gone sober, particularly from alcohol, navigating a festival without relapsing can be a difficult proposition. However, it is doable.
In fact, enjoying a sober festival can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. It isn’t easy, and many private alcohol rehab center UK based wouldn’t recommend going to a festival early on in recovery or during periods where your life isn’t as settled as you’d like it to be. However, if that’s not the case, then there are some top tips that can help you have a brilliant and sober time at a festival…
Plan Ahead and Set Expectations
First and foremost, planning is key. You need to set realistic expectations and goals for yourself, and plan an itinerary that keeps you busy and focused throughout the festival.
This can be vital in staying away from the bars and avoiding temptation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in what the festival has to offer.
A good plan can be to research the different offerings of the festival and how they can also support. What you may find is that they also offer support groups for alcoholics, as well as things like drug amnesties. This can be important information to know if it becomes the case that you are struggling.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
An important aspect of avoiding cravings and your mood dropping is staying hydrated and nourished. Taking a refillable water bottle with you can be a good idea, utilising the taps dotted around the site, while packing healthier snacks such as fruit, nuts and energy bars can also keep those energy levels up.
Alongside this, seek out food stalls that offer healthier alternatives to the typical burgers and kebabs, and try and set your mealtime routines to similar as you do at home. This will help keep your stamina high and your mood lifted during the festival.
Connect with Like-Minded Individuals
Festivals are all about connecting with others and there will be many like-minded people out there that are also trying to navigate it alcohol or drug free. On social media you’ll find sober meet-up groups that you can join, providing you with that extra support as well as tips and advice to help you get through it.
These connections can really make a festival and make it that extra bit special.
Explore Alternative Activities
Festivals offer tons of activities these days, many are based around wellness too. For example, at Glastonbury, the Healing Field is awash with workshops and activities to take up around wellbeing and they can provide a completely different festival experience, one that’s relaxed and focuses on mindfulness.
It provides a different way of engaging with a festival and can provide you with the atmosphere you’re looking for, away from the drugs, boozing and rock and roll.
Focus on the Music and Atmosphere
Of course, one of the main reasons you will be going, however, is for the music and the atmosphere the festival brings. So focus on it. There’s always so much positive energy at a festival and you can really embrace that and immerse yourself in it. Be present in the moment and watch the bands you love, don’t get caught up in the bar queues, that’s only going to make you miss your favourite song. Dance, laugh, and create sober memories. That’s what it’s all about.
