A quieter way to enjoy the Fringe
“Giving myself ‘protected time’ at home with a cuppa and an audiobook helps me recharge.”
Festival season can be exciting, inspiring and full of opportunities, but it can also feel busy, noisy and overwhelming. Rachel shares what the festivals mean to her, how they can affect her mental wellbeing, and the small things she does before, during and after the Fringe to help her stay well and enjoy the season in a way that works for her.
For me, festival season is all about variety, seeing things I wouldn’t normally have access to on my doorstep, people watching… and, of course, FLYERS.
I really enjoy the atmosphere, but the Fringe can also feel overwhelming. Sometimes it makes me feel like I need to rush around everywhere just to avoid the crowds.
I’ve found that planning ahead makes a huge difference. If I have appointments or work commitments, I make sure I leave extra time to get through central Edinburgh, or I reschedule them where possible. I also find that mornings, before 11am, tend to be much quieter.
If I want to see a Fringe show, I always pre-book and plan in advance. I don’t tend to go to shows on the spur of the moment because I know I’ll feel overwhelmed by people handing out flyers, so I just head straight to the venue.
If I know a Fringe show or event is going to be a bit stressful or tiring, I’ll try to make sure the following day is as easy as possible, or even take the day off to recover. Knowing I have minimal responsibilities afterwards helps me worry less about how I’ll feel physically and mentally the next day, which means I can actually enjoy the show more.
After spending time in busy crowds, I also make sure I reward myself with something nice. That might be some “protected time” at home with a cuppa and an audiobook. Giving myself permission to properly rest helps me recharge.
Sometimes I want to enjoy the Fringe atmosphere, but the thought of going to a show or being surrounded by crowds just feels like too much. On those days, I like finding a local café or park where I can sit comfortably by myself, people watch, or read a book. I still get to soak up the atmosphere while having my own space and a clear purpose, which helps me feel more grounded. Where possible, I’ll even pre-book a café because it can get busy, and it means I can look forward to somewhere I know I’ll enjoy without worrying about missing out.
What helps me thrive is making time to properly rest somewhere quiet, especially without screens. I’m a big fan of a cat nap! Noise-cancelling headphones are another essential.
I also try to stay in the habit of reflecting. Journaling doesn’t really suit me, but taking a few minutes each day to check in with myself does. I’ll spend a couple of minutes doing some deep breathing, and if there’s a particular thought or task that’s spiralling around in my head, I’ll try to name how it’s making me feel and why. I don’t spend too long doing this – just a few manageable minutes each day, without putting extra pressure on myself.
Do you live and/or work in Edinburgh and want to share your own experiences of mental health and wellbeing and the different ways keep you well? If you would like us to share your story, please email ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk.