I’m gearing up for ACL Fest here in Austin, TX!

Before shifting my career toward nutrition and yoga, I worked over a decade in the service industry and eight years in media & entertainment. I did everything from email marketing to event production, and I even set up shop in the ACL Fest Media Lounge to interview bands and cover the fest!

ACL Fest is two weekends – and I used to do all three days (all day), both weekends. During this time in my life, I did not prioritize my health. I prioritized the party of it all. And it showed. By the end of weekend one my allergies would be raging and I would be well on my way to getting sick. When weekend two would start, I would typically have a cold, and a cold sore to go along with it. My immune system would be wrecked, I wouldn’t sleep, and I would drink every day and night. I could have definitely fested smarter, and not so hard!

While those days were exhausting, they were SO FREAKIN’ FUN. I love live music, I love dance parties with thousands of people, I love being outside all day, I love how festivals are basically makeshift cities that pop up for a few days and then disappear.

I’m excited to check out this year’s lineup while also taking care of myself. My goal is to have more fun, actually remember most of it, and not get sick! I’m most excited to see Blink-182, Pretty Lights, Vince Staples, Remi Wolf, Empress Of, Orville Peck, and Hermanos Gutierrez.

To set myself up for success, I’ll be implementing these action steps to fest smarter, not harder to reach my goals of feelin’ good while festin’!

1. Focus on Hydration

Each morning drink 6-8 oz of water ASAP.

Hydration is about more than just drinking water. It’s about absorbing water on a cellular level. You need electrolytes! Think of electrolytes as ⚡electric⚡ minerals that regulate when and how much water to remove or replace in a cell.

You can get these minerals in a few different ways:

• Add a couple dashes of Redmond’s Real Salt into your water bottle. You can also use sea salt. These quality salts include the minerals you need to properly hydrate.
• Food. Cucumbers, watermelons, bone broth, bananas, oranges, coconut water, oranges, and leafy greens are all high in electrolytes.
• Grab an electrolyte supplement like Nuun the next time you’re at the store. Have one of these every day while festing if you feel you aren’t able to do the other tips.

Bring a water bottle to the festival. They have free refill stations. This is a no-brainer!

2. Take breaks from alcohol

ACL Fest has a Rambler tent this year. Take a break from the booze and treat yourself to local mineral water instead. Last year, they did have a Bar None tent with mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks – not sure if they’ll have that again this year but I’ll definitely be on the lookout!

3. Eat a savory, quality breakfast

Before you head out, treat yourself to a healthy breakfast high in protein. Since you will be subject to festival food (which there are actually some great options, including Poke bowls!), take the opportunity to prioritize a healthy breakfast.

Check out this post for examples of breakfasts that balance your blood sugar and provide stable, consistent energy.

Reminder: Drink caffeine after or with your breakfast – not before. This does wonders for your blood sugar balance and can keep stress levels at bay.

4. If you’re going to rage, do it on the last night

Save your partying for wrap night. Don’t rage night one, that’s a rookie mistake, that I’ve totally made!

5. Support your detox system

Either in the week leading up to the fest, during the fest, or the week after – incorporate foods and habits and support your detox system. Not sure where to start? I made a list – download it here! There’s no need to do some over-the-top cleanse and starve yourself. Contrary to popular belief, this does not support your detox system. Feeding your system with some key foods and habits will be much more beneficial.

If I were to throw in one more, it’d be to prioritize sleep. Here’s to nightcaps of CBD and aiming for 8 hours of sleep. Cheers!