Surviving Recital Season
Navigating the whirlwind of year-end dance recitals, music concerts, final sports tournaments, or graduation ceremonies while managing chronic pain can feel like a circus act on a unicycle, but it’s all about strategy!
All the excitement can give you energy, but remember to do some post-stress care!
Prioritise rest in the days leading up to the big events, ensuring you’re not running on empty.
Give yourself time to arrive and be ready, you don’t want to add the clock as a source of stress. If you have to request leaving work early and hour or two, it’s usually worth it! Rush hour can compound unexpectedly on these special days.
Plan a nutritious easy meal or meal prep in advance. Greasy fast-food alone can contribute to a pain flare by impacting your bowels and using the energy you need to be present in the moment instead to digest heavy food. Whenever I park at year-end events, it’s hilarious to see the amount of the crowd stuffy fast-food in before they get out of the car. We all do it! But just saying try not to, it’ll make a difference!
Use your favourite comfy gear to stay as cosy as possible, and don’t hesitate to bring along a supportive seat or cushion—the foldable kind is a lifesaver! Thank goodness sneakers & suits/ dresses are still a thing.
Dress in layers. Many places can have varying temperatures and you don’t want a pain flare from shivering or risk the B.O. (body odor) from sweating.
Make a checklist of small, handy pain relief options like a mini heat pack, magnesium oil, or even a cheeky chocolate treat for a boost.
Bring a water bottle with electrolytes in it. The electrolytes I find help to give a cognitive and energy boost for the end of the day.
Remember, it’s completely okay to take breaks, step outside for fresh air, or even sneak in a few gentle stretches when the excitement becomes overwhelming. During changes in the event (costume change, line change, etc.), practice taking a few deep breaths, check your posture and make sure you’re still comfy and don’t need anything.
Recruit support and add to the audience for your little ones! Bring a grandparent, family member or close friend. They love to celebrate your child’s achievements and accomplishments and they can also help with siblings if need be.
Embrace the joyous chaos with a sprinkle of mindfulness, and above all, give yourself the grace to enjoy the moments as they come! Take pictures or designate someone to do so, that way, in the juggle of everything you have to manage including your health, you don’t miss solidifying those memories and can look back to them when you decompress. Make sure you not only reward your child for their year-end accomplishments, but secretly pat yourself on the back too for getting through the year and being once again, an amazing supportive parent! Give yourself some love at the end of the day to help recalibrate from all the celebration and events.
You deserve an Oscar for being a great parent!
