June 22, 2018
Live music is incredibly important to me. It’s a tool I use to let go, stay present, shed negativity, and dance it out.
Live music is an intimate experience and sensory explosion shared by friends and fans alike, collectively connecting to something bigger than our individual selves. I love it; the whole thing totally blows my hair back. Comfort is key for enjoying an evening of live music in a crowded venue, especially for sensitive introverts.
So grab your:
- Keys
- Cash/Cards
- ID
- Cell phone
- Tickets (!)
…and make some room for these five concert comfort essentials:
Scrunchie
Scrunchies are back, and I’m very into it. Scrunchies are gentle on your hair and usually tout way more flair than your standard hair tie. They’re fun to wear around your wrist and are practical for throwing your locks into a messy bun so you can get down to the tunes without hair in your face.
Pashmina
The pashmina is another accessory where fashion meets function. Pashminas come in an endless combination of colors and patterns. They can be worn as scarves, shawls, or head wraps, and they look great on everyone – ladies and gents alike. Draping yourself in the luxurious fabric of a heady pashmina is fun and feels like a magical, silky hug. They are an especially perfect layer to wear during the winter months if you want to skip the coat check line, and they’re easily compactable for stuffing in a purse or pocket. Keep your eye out for a pashmina that speaks to you; these ethereal scarves have a way of seeking out their wearers in places you might not expect.
Natural Lip Balm
It’s easy to become dehydrated while you’re dancing your buns off at a live music show. Natural lip balm helps keep your lips soft, refreshed, and feeling good all night long. Pick an organic balm infused with herbs for an extra protection against the elements.
By the way, drink some water while you’re thinking about hydration.
Essential Oil
Essential oils contain the essence of a plant’s fragrance, and they secure a place on this comfort short list. Essential oils have many health benefits; different oils have properties which can jump start your energy levels or help you achieve a calm state of peace. Crowd pleasers like lavender, sage, and grapefruit are never a bad idea to keep around. Add a few drops to your palm, rub your hands together vigorously to create some heat which activates the oil, and massage into your temples, neck, and directly under your nose. Stay present in the moment, breathe deeply in and out, and boost your circulation. Wind down with your buddies after a long night of dancing by sharing a few drops of oil in their palms as well.
Earplugs
The smallest item on the essentials list with the biggest impact are earplugs. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but concerts can be over twice as many decibels loud as normal conversation, which means the risk of hearing loss over time is real if you don’t plug up your ear holes. Foam earplugs are easy to find and work great, but you can also step up your sound protection game with musician’s earplugs if you foresee lots of live music in your future.
Pro Tip: Crashing at the post show party spot? Use your earplugs to block out sound when it’s time rest up and recharge; you’ll sleep soundly even if you’re the first one to call it quits for the night.
I tend to keep these 5 essentials with me wherever I go, but I find them especially helpful at concerts and music festivals. Share these pro tips with your music loving friends, embrace what keeps you comfortable, and go experience live music!
