Post-Show Fatigue: What my recovery day looks like...

There is no question...The day after any show or event: in-person, virtual, or otherwise – I am wiped out.

Pooped.

Done.

Exhausted.

This used to happen when I was on stage as a #dancer & #cirque performer (many moons ago), but it continues to happen in my later years now as a show #producer.

On stage/ backstage / on camera or off, the physical feeling the day after is the same.

Can any of my #events friends relate?

The total body energy low makes biological sense in that, we have spent the better part of the previous day with our adrenaline pumping, pre-show, during show, and post-show so naturally, after a major energy high, it makes sense that we would experience a low/ dip/ or all-out crash in energy.

Over the years, I’m come up with a basic framework for the day AFTER my events to support my recovery. (Yes, this gal requires a full recovery day!)

Here they are in no particular order…

· If possible, plan to sleep in. Depending on your production schedule this might not be in the cards BUT on the first available day you are able to forgo the alarm – I say do it. Even if it’s just a little extra time it may be exactly what your body needs to help recover.

· I use a solid vegan eye cream and eye gels from my favourite brand because "holy bags Batman" on day-after show day! Ha! #Truth

· I eat as many water-content foods as possible (think big salads, sliced veggies, fruits, etc)

· A nap mid-day if needed

· Yoga deep stretch practice like YIN is a savior whether I’ve been running around a studio set, or doing laps around the concrete floors of a convention center, or sitting for hours on end behind a screen –my body took a beating any way you slice it. If not yoga then I'll do another restorative exercise to get blood flow going and so I don't feel "jammed up."

· Fizz – my go-to drink for my mid-day energy boost (anyone who knows me knows I am in love with my Energy Fizz sticks (vitamin B6, B12, Ginseng & Chromium = bliss)

· Water, water, and more water to flush out my system. If I want to be fancy, I’ll add fruits to my water or a herbal tea bag to a large mug of boiling water on colder days.

· If possible, block post-show day as a day-off and have the auto-responder ready to go.

· I keep a paper notebook handy and jot down any post-show debrief notes that occur for me because I surely will think of several items that can be calibrated/improved for the next time (always). It's also highly useful to have for post-production meetings coming up.

If you have anything to add RE your optimal post-show day recovery, please do comment below. I’d love to hear!