If you’ve ever gone to a rave or a festival, you are probably familiar with the excitement that comes with the opportunity. Raves are fun, particularly when you see many artists that you’ve been pining to catch live. For many people, raves are packed with adventure that no one wants to end.
There is one slight problem with raves: There are many other people there, which makes sense since it’s a rave. This is awesome for extroverts, as they get the chance to see many people, old and new friends, create memories and connections. It’s the perfect place to recharge your social battery.
With that in mind, while this is the perfect place for extroverts, the situation is different for introverts. With so many people around, it might be slightly tricky for you to have a good time. The pandemic is calming down, the first raves are beginning to show – but this doesn’t mean your social anxiety is going anywhere.
There are, however, ways in which you may prepare yourself for a rave as an introvert. Here are some ways to make things more bearable.
- Wear Something that Represents You
You’re at a rave, and you are already uncomfortable enough around people as it is. The last thing you want now is to make things even more uncomfortable for yourself by dressing up in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or stick out.
You do not have to dress plainly – but rather, dress in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. If you are going to be self-conscious or worry about the way you look all day, you might as well wear something that puts you at ease instead.
- Have Something on You to Calm Your Nerves
In many cases, your shyness and introversion are not your fault. Your brain circuit is the cause of all of this. It’s a way in which your brain was wired to work and is something that may be rather difficult to change in the long term.
With that in mind, this doesn’t mean that there is nothing that you can do to make things better for the short term. There are many natural remedies that you may take that can have a calming effect on you. It can lower your social anxiety, allowing you to enjoy the rave at a normal pace.
Valerian, whether it’s root, tea, or tinctures, might help you calm your nerves. You can also go for the supplement version. Products under premium private label CBD can also prove quite effective in treating social anxiety, as long as you get the correct dosage. You might want to discuss this with your physician to determine what’s right for you.
- Find a Chill Spot
Raves can be rather crowded, so you might want to find a chill spot where you can hang out. Extroverts might not have a problem with jumping straight into the crowd in front of the stage, but things might get rather unbearable for introverts.
This is why you might want to find a comfy spot to feel comfortable and see the events unfolding. For example, if the rave is associated with a concert, rather than struggling to fit in front of the stage, stay more on the sides of the crowd instead.
It’s also much easier to breathe there, as people are not pushing into each other or packed like sardines. Plus, if you position yourself smartly, you can easily still see the people on the stage.
- Plan Some Conversation Starters
If you are anxious about how you will get along with people, you might want to plan out some conversation starters. For example, talk about your favorite event or something that you believe may be relevant for the crowd. If it’s clear they like drawing, ask them if they also make cover art for music. It’s all based on what you notice in the very beginning.
These conversation starters, when planned out ahead, can take the edge off your social anxiety. Try to frame them so that the other person in the room feels comfortable. Remember, very few people are truly confident in a place packed with people, so you aren’t alone in this.
- Make Plans with An Extrovert
Perhaps one of the best ways for an introvert to go smoothly to a rave is to “get adopted” by an extrovert. In most cases, opposites tend to attract, which is why pairs made up of one introvert and one extrovert work out so well.
The extrovert will be the one to plunge into the general chatter, and you’ll be the one to chip in when you have some bright idea or burst of confidence. It creates the perfect balance, and it will take the pressure off of you. By bringing an extrovert along, you should be able to go at your own pace.
- Try to Focus on the Present
The more you ground yourself into the present, the less awkward you will feel as people on the dance floor surround you. Be there, pay attention, focus on what is happening in the present – and do not let your mind dwell on the awkwardness of the future.
An excellent way to prepare beforehand for this is to practice some meditation. This “alone time” activity can help you become more social, as it helps you shift your focus. With regular meditation, you may just be able to recharge your batteries enough to handle a three-day rave.
The Bottom Line
In the end, whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, raves are there for you to unwind and have fun. Some people like chatting. Others just want to feel the music. What’s important is that you allow yourself to feel good and enjoy the moment. Everyone has social batteries they need refilling, regardless of how small they may be.