Dedicated dance music lovers know that a lot of thought goes into attending festivals — from deciding where to go, which artists to see, who to go with, what to wear. The list goes on. Yet, one of the most often overlooked but essential parts of going to fests, events and shows in the EDM world, is how to keeping HEALTHY at the fest.

Why is wellness so important? Simply because if you cannot take care of yourself, you cannot have fun, which is the whole point! Luckily, staying healthy can be super easy to sort, and for ravers who have been in the scene for a while, it truly becomes second nature.

Here are five wellness basics to keep on your checklist for every event:

Hydration

First and foremost, stay hydrated. That means actual water (Red Bull vodka, beer, or other alcoholic drinks don’t count). You can sweat out 1 to 2.5 liters just dancing under the sun, and your body needs 5 to 8 bottles a day (more if you’re moving for hours). Lose just 2% of your body water and your focus drops fast and foggy vibes in the middle of a crowd are not fun.

You might not notice dehydration until it’s too late. Light cases mean dizziness and a nasty hangover; serious cases can lead to heat stroke or kidney failure. Always keep water on you, especially in packed crowds that are hard to get in and out of. Most festivals allow hydration packs or empty bottles to fill at free water stations, so there’s no excuse not to be prepared.

Prepare for the elements

At outdoor festivals, attendees can be exposed to anything — heat, wind, rain, even freezing temps at night. It’s crucial to protect yourself to avoid getting sick. Wear and reapply sunscreen, and use a hat or pashmina for shade. If a jacket is too bulky, pack a thermal blanket — which wrapped around you can insulate body heat and create a barrier from cold air and takes up no space. Toss in a disposable poncho too, even if rain there is a slight chance of rain in the forecast.

Ear care

Some music lovers consider wearing earplugs optional, but protecting your hearing is a serious thing. Noise levels at fests can hit 100+ decibels, which can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Invest in a good pair that keeps sound quality, and carry foam backups. Protect your ears — future you will be grateful.

Seeking help!

A point of confusion that we should try to make crystal clear in the rave community is to never be afraid to ask for help. You won’t get in trouble for seeking medical attention, no matter now intoxicated or altered you are. Part of the cost of your ticket pays for on-site med teams, from EMTs with wheelchairs to doctors. Medical care is covered by the event and you are guaranteed not to get in trouble. They are there to help you get well with no questions asked that you may not feel comfortable answering, never be in doubt about that. Care is free and judgement-free. Besides emergencies, the med tent can help with things like Tylenol, pads, tampons, or water.

Taking care of others

Everyone knows that person who is the rave mom or dad of the crew, always watching out for the wellbeing of the group. While that’s a true blessing, it’s crucial to be prepared and self-sufficient when attending events. You never know when you might get lost or separated from your friends. It’s your responsibility alone to take care of yourself, and you need to take care of yourself in order to be able to take care of others! By remembering these five tips, you soon will not be able to imagine going to events without having them secured.

Happy raving!