I see many people discussing how much of a grind Shambhala is. How it’s the “final boss” of music festivals in a sense. Sure, it can be difficult. But I really feel that people who have a hard time making it through the week, in most cases, aren’t doing enough to prevent burnout. Follow these tips and you’ll be partying until Monday morning with ease.

1. Handling the heat. Getting enough sleep is key to rallying for the whole week. Heat is usually what will prevent you from getting enough sleep. First thing, you need a shade structure. I recommend a 10x10 canopy which you can find for around $100 bucks at Walmart. Combine this with some side walls using sheets, tapestries, etc, facing in the direction where the sun will be in the morning. Post up your tent underneath. Don’t put the cover on your tent. You need as much ventilation as possible.

Another thing I can’t recommend enough is a battery powered fan hanging from the top of the tent pointing at yourself. I got a great fan for about $20. Lastly, get a sleep mask and some noise cancelling earplugs.

1. River. The river will cure you. Feeling tired and muggy? River. It’s the first thing I do every morning after breakfast. It can be chilly, but try your best to stay in the river for a few minutes at least. Without the river this festival would be 10x harder. The cold water will help your sore muscles too.

2. Nutrition, electrolytes, and vitamins. Drink water. A lot of it. Like more than you think. With the combination of party favours (if that’s your thing) and heat, your body will thank you for staying hydrated. Eat vegetables, protein, drink electrolyte powder, take vitamin c, magnesium, zinc, all the good stuff. Trust me, it works. If you feel the need, look into 5HTP. Do research on it as it can be dangerous if misused, but properly taken it will very much help.

3. Dust mask! Whether it’s a bandana, cloth mask, or even n95 mask, your lungs and sinuses will thank you. Make an effort to at the very least wear it while walking on the roads to downtown. The dust will absolutely get to you by Monday if you aren’t masking up. I have avoided shambha-lung for a few years now just by wearing a mask in the most dusty areas. If the dust is really bugging you, go hangout at the river for a while. There’s basically no dust and the air is nice and fresh.

4. Proper footwear. Invest in some good shoes or boots with insoles. This will do wonders for your feet, legs, back, literally everything. I see people wearing flat footed vans and can’t help but feel sorry for them. I genuinely don’t think I could do festivals without good footwear.

Lastly, stretch every morning. Do yoga. Keep your muscles happy. It works.

Is cliche as it is to say: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, listen to your body. Don’t go all out on Friday night only to feel dead by Saturday afternoon.

If you follow these tips you can be like my 65 year old father who rarely calls it quits before 5am. If I missed anything, throw it in the comments!