How to survive your first music festival

Next week I’m headed for my first 4-day festival. Not just any festival - this is Shambhala Electronic Music Festival in British Columbia. I’m nearing my 33rd birthday, and yes, this is still something I haven’t yet conquered. Being in a serious relationship for the entirety of your 20’s will see you re-living missed experiences later in life. Call it an early mid-life crisis, or just merely seeking adventure, I’m knee-deep and loving it. 

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There’s 4 pillars of healthy that we are crucial for us to focus on, and you’re already very family with them. I’m talking about hydration, movement, nourishment and sleep.  When you’re planning on dancing around for hours, catching a set at the prime-time 2am slot, or baking in the sun while you take selfies, don’t forget to take these essentials with you so you escape the post-festival zombie walk. A weekend shouldn’t take you a week to recover from, kids. 

Take Healthy Snacks

Im talking non-perishable. No one wants you to pull out a warm yogurt that’s been sat in your tent for two days. 

This is what I’m taking:

• Cashews
• Celery
• Natural popcorn
• Apples
• Collagen / protein bars 
• Beef jerky
• No-drain tuna 
• Individual sachets of natural peanut butter (no joke, they’re amazing).

Pack Yoga Pants

There’s often some awesome events going on in the day too, if you manage to rack up enough sleep to be awake to enjoy them, that is. Make sure you stretch, take some time out to be calm, and focus on your breathing to counteract all the crazy.

Check the food vendors before you leave

There’s nothing worse than hitting up an event you’ve been majorly looking forward to, only to get there and find they’re only selling hotdogs and blue Frosty’s. Be savvy and check the list of food vendors. If you can’t see a decent list of nourishing food (hot chips don’t count) then be prepared to take plenty of stuff with you. Fortunately for me, Shambhala has a heap of organic, vegan food trucks in attendance. What a win. Find me stood to order the macro bowl and a big green smoothie at Gaia Ma Foods.

Carry a large refillable water bottle

There could be water stations at the festival where you can fill up your bottle, so take one that’s easy enough to carry (even better if it attaches to your fabulous new waist bag). Don’t let dehydration of heat and dancing around ruin your vibe.

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Get some solid sleep

Earplugs, earmuffs, a large scarf, eye mask, white noise on your headphones - whatever it takes for you to get proper rest for AT LEAST 6 hours - take it. In fact, take two, just in case a made need one or you inevitably lose your shit. 

Dose up. 

No, not like that. Take a multivitamin. Seriously. Chances are you won’t be eating a fully balanced diet and you’re putting more stress on your body. Give it a helping hand by taking some multivitamins and if you’re feeling generous, probiotics in the run-up and during the event for good gut health. 

Want to see some behind the scenes footage? Head over to my Instagram to check out all the fun going down at Shamabhala in BC.