Finding Joy and Grounding: Rachel’s Festival Journey On and Off Stage

For Rachel, the Edinburgh Festivals are more than just a celebration of theatre, they’re a time of deep emotional connection, joyful discovery, and creative expression. Whether watching powerful performances that reflect her lived experience, producing her own shows, or making time to rest and recharge, Rachel shares how she navigates the Fringe season with care, compassion, and a little help from family, friends, and HelloFresh.

I am a theatre lover, and I love seeing the variety of shows that are on offer and often see ones that I may not normally have gone to. There have been shows which I have really connected to which has helped me to reflect and connect with my own lived experience. The one that comes to mind is a Masked Theatre Show about a couple’s journey living with the wife’s dementia. I cried for most of show because it was so beautiful but also sad but it I just loved the performance. There has also been a lot of shows that have brought me a lot of joy with the wonder and amaze of the performance, and I just come out with a buzz. I really look forward to the fringe each year and I feel the festival has a positive effect on my mental health.  

Often before the Fringe I look at shows that I would like to see and often try to book some time off work so I can enjoy the festival with less stress. As much as I would love to see a show after work every day, I know that is not possible for me and I would burnout. During the fringe I often have family up to stay which I find very helpful as they often help with household admin which means I have more time to see shows but I have also learnt that I do need to take time on my own to try and decompress and recharge so it’s important to me that I schedule this time in at least once a week. I do find a dip in my mental health after the Fringe as my family have left, I am back on my own and there are no shows to entertain me. It often takes a few weeks to settle back into the old routine, but I try and meet up with friends and might even order a few HelloFresh boxes to help reduce the stress around cooking.  

I have produced 2 Fringe shows over the past few years and there has been a lot of stress but also joy. When we are performing, I try and take time off from my full-time job, so I am not overloading myself and it gives me more time to be prepared. I often like to write lists to help make sure I have everything I need (though that didn’t stop me from forgetting a prop once on opening night! Dad came to the rescue). Opening night is always the worst so its touching base with my fellow dancers and we all help each other keep our nerves at bay but some grounding exercises do help as well. I also like to remind myself not to get too focused on what I can’t control e.g. ticket sale, mistakes on stage and really try to enjoy each performance as much as possible. A celebratory drink after the run is always a big help and it is great to spend this time with my fellow performers. I also try and take my time to explore the city and walk around as that is me time where I can decompress and let my thoughts wonder. I also try and enjoy the Fringe – go see some amazing show and enjoy the food and drinks as this does help me to offset the annoyance with a busy city.  

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.