HEALTH + WELLNESS

How I Survived Hangout Music Festival with Adrenal Fatigue

It’s important to have fun and do things that you love, even when you might not be feeling your best. Mindset and mental well-being are so important while healing adrenal fatigue, which is why I decided to go to a music festival in the midst of trying to get my health back on track. It was the best decision I could have made.

I got to have a blast with my brother and our friends, on the beach, in the sun, listening to music and laughing the whole time. I did a few things to maintain some routine in my life and offset the fun chaos.

Morning Ritual

Every morning, I made sure to drink the wheatgrass drink my doctor had suggested. I brought the powder, mixed with water, and chugged first thing. It also ensured that I was starting the day hydrated.

I stayed consistent with my supplements and packed them in a pill organizer so I knew what I was taking every morning and didn’t have to think about it.

I made sure to eat something right away. It wasn’t always the most perfect breakfast (in a condo on the beach with ten guys), but something was better than nothing.

Having Fun

Before the trip even began, I decided that I was not going to be able to stick to the protocol I had going at home, and that would be okay. I made a choice to let go of the stress and guilt that came with not being perfect and did my best.

Enjoying the sun, music, friends, and ocean was way more healing for me than sitting in my bedroom taking a nap. Relaxing and enjoying where I was and who I was with was good for my soul.

Rest When Tired

There were a few times where I left shows early or stopped drinking earlier than my friends. This didn’t happen often, but the few times it did it was nice to remind myself that I wasn’t feeling 100% and it was okay to take a break. We were also lucky enough to be in a condo a quarter mile away, so I was able to take a quick walk and be “home.”

Even though one or two nights/shows got cut short, it was still an amazing experience and I didn’t feel like I had missed out at all. I was also lucky to have my own room/bed so I was able to go to sleep when I was tired. This was one of the perks to being the only girl.

Eating and Drinking

I made sure to make hydration a priority (this goes for anyone at a music festival on the beach, honestly) and eat when I was hungry. I’m just trying to get at small things you can do to not totally fall off the wagon. So did I eat cheese fries? Yes. Was that a better option than not eating at all? YES! It was vacation and I enjoyed the hell out of it. I tried to order protein and vegetables at dinner, and all was well.

As with anything else, it’s about balance. On paper, I was not the picture of health, but for mental health and stress this trip was ideal. I even cried at the Mumford & Sons concert on the beach, in the dark, on the last night. Pure magic.