After the glitter is gone!
The energy and excitement of pride events like World Pride, Mardi Gras or even your local pride festival event can be truly refreshing, but returning to everyday life after such a high can be challenging.
Whether you attended events or watched from afar and felt the love and acceptance through reading articles or watching on television, you may experience post-event blues.
If you're experiencing post-event blues, after significant pride events, or even smaller LGBTIQ+ events, here are some tips for coping and returning to your daily routine.
Take Time to Rest and Reflect
After a big event like World Pride, it's essential to take some time to rest and reflect on your experiences. Give yourself permission to take a break and recharge your batteries. Take a few days off work if possible, or schedule some downtime for yourself if you're unable to take time off.
Use this time to reflect on the event and what it meant to you. Consider what you learned, who you met, and how to carry those experiences forward. Journaling can be a helpful tool for processing your thoughts and emotions.
Stay Connected
One of the best things about events like World Pride is the sense of community and connection they create. While returning to your regular routine may be challenging, staying connected with the people you met at the event can help you feel less isolated.
Try to stay in touch with friends you made during World Pride, whether through social media, texting, or meeting up in person. Don't forget you can always stay connected with like-minded individuals in your community through Country Network.
Practice Self-Care
Practising self-care is vital to help you cope with any post-event stress or anxiety.
Ensure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly. Take time to do things you enjoy, whether reading a book, going for a walk, or practising meditation or yoga. Remember to be kind to yourself and allow yourself time to adjust.
Set Goals
Setting goals can be a great way to stay motivated and focused after a big event. Consider what you want to achieve in the coming weeks or months, whether related to your career, personal life, or community involvement.
Break your goals into smaller, achievable steps, and plan how you'll achieve them. Celebrate your successes along the way, and don't be too hard on yourself if you experience setbacks.
Be Mindful of Substance Use
It's common to indulge in alcohol or other substances during events like World Pride. However, being mindful of your substance use and how it may impact your mental and physical health is essential.
If you struggle with substance use after the event, seek professional support or resources in your community. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Returning to everyday life after an event like World Pride can be challenging, but taking care of yourself and staying connected with the community is important.
By taking time to rest and reflect, staying connected with others, practising self-care, setting goals, and being mindful of substance use, you can successfully transition back into your daily routine and continue to support the LGBTQ+ community in your everyday life.
Don't worry. Plenty of events are planned to get your fix of queer glitter over the coming months. Check out our latest edition of Network Events for all the regional pride events around the country!
QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to discuss various issues, including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. QLife: 1800 184 527 3 pm to Midnight every day.
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