Hell Week: The Stresstival before the Festival
The excitement of a festival wouldn’t be complete without the stress everyone experiences before they arrive. The week before a festival or event can often be the worst so I refer to it as “hell week”. So many things are going on during this week, so many things racing through your head. If you’re an avid festivalgoer then some of these things probably aren’t recognized because it happens all too often. If you’re a rookie, you’ll definitely encounter some of these issues. If you’re like me then everything has to be perfect before you leave. Meaning all my school work is done, traveling and lodging is set up, and everything on my checklist is checked & reviewed twice. Here, is a “hell week” in my life before a festival, for you all to learn from for you next festival weekend. I am going to give you a story of a satirical week from hell in order to alleviate some of your stress.
Monday
So hell week begins, and you’re starting to realize how close the big weekend is when you really start to get butterflies in your stomach. If you aren’t in school or don’t care, then today is pretty lax. If you’re a scholar, then you already have your week of schoolwork planned; not only for hell week, but the week after as well. Of course, there’s at least one test or quiz. So now you’re freaking out because there’s “no way” you’ll be able to do it.
Guess what? You can do it. stay positive and don’t procrastinate. Try talking to your professors, because they were once our age and have been known to show some leniency when you show them you care about their class.
Pro Tip: Talk to professors a week or two prior. Talking to them the day before with a “Hey… I’m about to go rage face” excuse, usually won’t work.
Tuesday
Work schedule comes out, you’re on the schedule for the weekend even though you requested this weekend off 2-4 weeks ago. They don’t care. So they scheduled you anyways, just to play with your emotions. When you ask your manager he says he forgot to give you off or that they are “short handed” and that you can have the days off if you find someone to cover your shifts. After you ask nearly every employee, janitor, alley cat, robot, and cousin with no luck; one ass hole will agree to take your shift for an extra 50$. Just do it. It’s worth it. Also, don’t forget to work on that checklist so that you don’t forget something you need like you did at the last festival. Because you definitely forgot something.
Wednesday
Its hump day, the big weekend is closing in quickly now. You are starting to get a little on edge already from this week. You might have even contemplated giving up on the trip all together, but you stick with it because you know you’ve almost got all your ducks in a row. It’s normally around this time in the week that some of your group is inevitably going to bail and some last minute friends decide they want to tag along. This is normal for all groups, and ideally you can trade one person for one person…. But this is never the case. Normally, you’ll end up with a hotel or tent that’s far over capacity. Don’t think of these things as negatives, because realistically, you won’t be spending there, and I’ve come to find out that the memories you have from those overcrowded rooms with your friends can be unforgettable. So don’t panic. Last minute squad changes will continue until the moment you set up your tent or open your hotel door. Just roll with it.
Thursday
It’s almost here! You’re either making sure the car is ready for a road trip or checking in and choosing seats on the plane by this point in the week. Traveling may begin this day, and calling shotgun in the car ensures plenty of legroom for at least the first part of the trip. But be ready, this also calls for you to be the designated DJ. If you fail at shotgun, prepare to be Snack Giver McGee, cause the car is counting on you for nourishment. Work & school are no longer a concern. Festival. Festival. Festival.
Nothing else fills your head, other than dirty beats, DJ set times and your departure time. Which by the way…. Make it early. Whether it’s a flight, or a road trip, LEAVE EARLY.
Friday
Today is the day! The most important thing about today is to STAY POSITIVE. You’ve been traveling non-stop, you haven’t had real food in what feel like weeks, and you swear you forgot something, so you’re stressing. Take a deep breath. Take it all in.
The greatest weekend of your life is about to start. New friends are literally in every direction and just waiting to meet you. Problems WILL occur this weekend, and they will suck. But if you go into every experience with an open mind, positivity, and good vibes it’ll all work out. Your squad is your life line, your neighbors are your new family, and the strangers are all friendly.
You made it. Hell week is over. Put on your funky outfit and get ready to party!
Best article I’ve ever read in my entire life!!!!