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To all my fellow Arizonaians, we are giving a seasons greeting to our dust storm and festival seasons. The valley is getting hit with a nasty combo of strong winds, even stronger dust storms, and persisting hot weather. The Arizona desert hosts some of our most iconic festival grounds and beloved concert venues. That being said, raving in the desert is a whole different ball game and can leave you recovering for days without some good preparation.
Those of us who rave year round here know the feeling of post-rave sickness after a night out. I’m sure almost all of us have experienced the mysteriously dark congestion, dry mouths, and fatigue that comes with raving in the desert. Needless to say it is a rough recovery, but it is always worth it for the dancing and memories. As someone who has raved for quite some time in our unique environment, I have found ways to help with the post-rave slump and recovery. Below are some tips and tools that you can take to keep the energy up before, during, and after a desert rave.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Obviously the most important tool for any rave is staying hydrated. Hydration packs always come in hand, to ensure you always have some water to drink as you’re tearing up the dancefloor. Drinking water is important but a step better is to drink electrolytes. Drink electrolyte drink mixes, vitamin waters or your favorite sports drinks anytime before, during, or after the rave to keep the body hydrated and strong.
Face Coverings
Using any type of face covering allows you to have some protection to what you’re inhaling throughout the rave. A mask, bandana, pashmina, or even a “gas mask” if you want to go old school, can go a long way when raving in dusty environments. Another little helpful tip, you can throw some water on a bandana or pash to cool down when the weather is hot. Plus, there are thousands of styles out there to wear, which can add some extra finesse to the rave fit.
Vapor Inhalers/Essential Oils
A true gift to this world was the invention of vapor inhalers. A quick sniff of a vapor inhaler adds almost instant relief to congestion and a little blow helps with dry eyes. Another option are essential oils, which you can use in combination with a fan to provide some relief to your surrounding environment. Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint or lavender oil, help with decongestion and provide anti-inflammatory effects. Using these can diminish the effects of dust and ease your breathing.
Sunscreen/Umbrellas
Sunscreen is essential in everyday life. For daytime shows or for my early starters, wearing sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UVs and save you from any bad sunburns. An extra tool are umbrellas or parasols that you can carry throughout the rave to also help with the sun or any suddenly rainy shows.
Fans
Another essential to have with you at a desert rave is a fan. Hand fans or electronic fans, help to cool down when the weather or the crowd is getting too hot. Staying cool will keep you from burning out too quickly, fans are a must have.
Dress/Layering
When raving in the desert it is important to be comfortable and prepared for any type of weather the desert brings. It helps when clothing is lightweight, light colors, and protective for the heat and hot sun. As well, layering your fit can be helpful when there are drops in the weather, as the desert can be known for some cool nights. Any type of hat is another tool to help mainly with the bright sun or if it’s a particularly windy night. Other items like sunglasses or goggles are some of my essentials, as it can offer some eye protection from the dust.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks throughout the rave can offer some help with pacing and post-recovery. Try to stick to the motto of its a marathon not a race, as taking breaks can be helpful for any rave but even more so for one that is in the desert. The awesome Relentless team usually provides cool down or chill areas at raves and festivals, which help with both relaxing and to catch a vibe with the people around.
These tips and tricks are just a few that I have learned or picked up on to help with staying energized throughout the rave. The Arizona scene is special and our environment poses challenges that require some preparation for easier recovery. As our festival season starts to pick up, you can try these tips out at your next rave or festival to hopefully ease the post-rave sicknesses and boost your recovery time.
