Social anxiety at festivals? 4 tips on how to deal with it.

Do you want to go to a festival or event but already feel anxious at the thought of standing in a crowded crowd? Are you afraid you can't just walk away? Do you dread meeting new people? Fortunately, you are not the only one! On average, 50% of Dutch people between 25 and 40 years old have experienced this. More and more people suffer from social anxiety at festivals and events. But how do we deal with it?

Social anxiety at festivals

Festivals are the place to let loose after a week of hard work or studying! But for many people, this is not always so easy. Since Corona, more and more people, especially women, suffer from social anxiety. This anxiety disorder can make you feel stressed in social situations, even if you know there is nothing to be afraid of. This can make these events stressful and overwhelming. You may feel nervous in large groups. Worry about how you come across or feel isolated among all the people. So how can you still enjoy that amazing festival experience?

In this blog, I give you four tips to better cope with social anxiety at festivals or even overcome it.

Prepare well

Sounds simple, but it really works. By preparing well for the festival, you reduce the chance of feeling overwhelmed by unexpected situations. Make a plan for the day: which artists do you want to see? About what time do you want to leave? And tell your friends beforehand how you feel, so they can support you if you feel panic coming on. The more you dare to talk about it and share, the safer you will feel. This way you feel less bad if you want to take a break. Also go with someone you trust or feel comfortable with. Lastly, it is always good to have your drugs tested first if you find it scary. Read more about this in this blog.

Breathing exercises

Feeling panic coming on? Then use breathing exercises like the 4-7-8 technique. This exercise can reset your thoughts and help you regain control for a moment. Remember: it is okay to take a break. Find a quiet place where you can relax. 

Visualize success

It may sound vague, but positive visualization is a powerful way to overcome your fear. Imagine yourself moving calmly through the crowd, feeling safe and confident, and enjoying the event. By practicing this, you create a new positive mental association that can help reduce your anxiety when you are actually at the festival. The more positive your thoughts are, the more positive you will feel. Think of a mantra and repeat it in your head when you feel anxiety or panic coming on. An example of a mantra is: “everything will be fine” or “there is nothing wrong with me and I am safe.”

Step-by-step

"Start small: take the first step by going to a smaller festival or a more intimate setting. By focusing first on smaller festivals, you can slowly build your confidence without feeling overwhelmed by the large crowd." Think of parties with only 1 stage, or a small location, or instead of going to a festival from start to finish, go later so you don't have to be there all day. Don't make it too difficult for yourself and be proud of the moments when it does go well.

"With the right preparation, breathing techniques, and a positive mindset, you can not only reduce your anxiety but also learn to embrace yourself and enjoy your festival experience. By understanding your anxiety and learning to cope with it, you can approach any social situation with more confidence."

Curious about 7 tips against the Tuesday blues? Then read this blog!