Tips & tricks to help cure your dreaded Decibel hangover!

Last Friday, one of the most anticipated festivals of the entire year was literally at our doorsteps. Visitors excitedly flooded through the gates, marked their territory and most importantly, partied non-stop for three whole days. Now, three days later,  not only is Decibel Outdoor is now in its dismantling stages, but visitors of this illustrious event are also evidently feeling a little dismantled and disheveled as they roll up their sleeping bags, gather their tents and try to collect that last ounce of sanity to sustain them through their trip back home.

Some partygoers may have overestimated their capabilities to hold alcohol (or other substances) for three days straight or some of you may be merely sleep deprived from the 24/7 Terrorcore blasted throughout the campsite. Nonetheless, you know you had an incredible and unforgettable weekend raving in the sunshine, however darkness looms as an extended hangover is yet to take its toll…

Aside from the usual ‘post Decibel depression,’ your mind and body are likely exhausted to the max, so we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help cure your Decibel hangover, or at least make it that little more bearable!

#1 – Gaan met die banaan!

It’s a fact; bananas are mother nature’s gift to fried brains. According to research, the amino acid ‘tryptophan’ which is found in bananas assists your body in the production of serotonin, which of course, Decibel ravers are in dire need of. Bananas also contain a large amount of vitamin B6, which is also vital in the manufacturing of serotonin from tryptophan. After a weekend of raving, food may be the last thing on your agenda, however a banana is light enough to not feel nauseous or sluggish. Another great post-festival snack is a banana smoothie made with yogurt, milk and a sprinkle of muesli. You should also add some honey in there too; research suggests that it assists in the production of melatonin, which assists with sleep.

#2 – Replenish your body with nutritious food

I hate to break it to you, but eating a banana with a drizzle of honey just isn’t going to cut it. An entire weekend of non-stop partying will really take a toll on you if you don’t stock up on the rest of your vitamins. Try to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as stocking up on protein – your muscles will thank you later. Furthermore, for partygoers using MDMA, this can cause oxidative stress, so to counteract the damage you should stock up on antioxidants, which are found in dark coloured fruit and veggies (cherries, berries, apples, green vegetables). You probably won’t have much of an appetite over the coming days, however it’s important to keep your body fuelled and healthy if you want to make it out of bed for Mysteryland!

#3 – Get some well-needed zzz’s

For the hardcore party people who survived the entire Decibel weekend on little (or no) sleep, I really feel for you. Sleep deprivation, on top of the cocktail of substances your body is trying to expel, will evidently muddle your entire system. It’s no big secret that sleep will help your body restore its balance, so if you’re still kicking from Friday evening then I suggest that you cut your losses and get some sleep. For those who feel as though they are too wired to sleep, try sipping on some chamomile tea with honey or taking a natural sleep aid such as Valerian or even Melatonin.

#4 – Have a warm bath and rug up in comfy clothing

Hygiene and comfort are extremely important and after a weekend of minimal self-care and a long, warm shower or bath is something that can really chance the game. Other than the fact that you’ve been on some wild ‘cooked’ adventures, you’ve also shared sweat with thousands of strangers, your hair is in desperate need of a wash and you may have even chewed your entire face off. My advice is to have a nice warm shower, brush your teeth and make yourself as comfortable as possible. Luckily this rainy weather is perfect for a tracksuit and warm jacket!

#5 – Remember that you’re not alone and that this feeling will pass

Hangover days seem to roll on forever and it’s easy to get wrapped up in negative thoughts and feelings. Thinking too far into these thoughts can lead to a more intense depression, so it’s important to remember that this feeling is temporary and is a direct result of whatever the fuck you’ve done this past weekend. You are not alone, and if you are feeling alone then invite a friend over to hang out – being around others will probably lift your spirits.

#6 – Distract yourself

During these darker days, your brain’s serotonin is severely depleted, making you more prone to depression and also more irritable. As I just mentioned, this feeling is temporary and it’s important to remember that. Distracting yourself can really help you pull through the subsequent days; stock up on funny movies, binge watch a series or go for a walk in the park. Another tip is to go online shopping, as strange as it sounds it can help boost your self-esteem – but remember to not be too impulsive.

#7 – Remember the good memories & find something to look forward to

You may have experienced a life-altering weekend at Decibel filled with smiles and euphoria, however as Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday roll around it could be a different story as the hangover overrides any positive feelings you had. It’s important to remember the great times you had; scroll through your camera roll, watch your weekend Snapchat story over and over again and continue thinking about the memories whilst waiting for your brain and body to recover. As soon as you know it you’ll be ready to conquer another festival!

We wish all of our readers a safe trip home from Decibel Outdoor and a speedy recovery throughout the next couple of days. We also hope that some of these tips will help make this week a little more bearable and of course, we will see you all at Mysteryland this weekend!