A concert can feel like being transported to another dimension. But when the final song of the encore ends, the lights come on, and the crowd is ushered out, reality sets back in. On the way home, life feels just a little different.
One moment, you’re still on a high from finally hearing your favorite song live, singing at the top of your lungs with a friend or a stranger who shamelessly can’t stop dancing to a chart-topping hit by your favorite artist. The next, you’re on your way to grab dinner or a midnight snack, contemplating life and what to do now that you’ve just experienced the concert you’ve been anticipating for months (or even years).
Post-concert depression is a feeling of sadness or anxiety that comes after experiencing a concert or festival. While these feelings are often temporary, lingering for days or weeks, they can still feel overwhelming. However, before things worsen, we can always channel that sadness into something positive.
Can’t fight this feeling any longer? Billboard Philippines has put together a list of ways to navigate your post-concert blues, lift your spirits, and brighten your days (and nights) as you look forward to your next live music experience.
Stay connected with fellow fans
A good thing about going to a concert alone, or even if you’re with somebody, is that you get to be in a venue filled with people who share the same interests as yours. Making new friends out of the blue is always a good feeling, especially when you truly vibe with each other. After the concert, there’s no shame in wanting to connect. Online spaces such as X offer a community for fans to unleash their passions, unapologetically expressing themselves and engaging in discussions about anything related to their favorite artist or band.
However, there’s this hurdle we’re trying to get over regarding how “close” we already are to them. But hey, if no one makes the first move, then who will? Even if it’s just a quick chat at a café or a Salcedo meet-up on a slow weekend, it’s a healthy way to take yourself back to the highs of the concert while also reconnecting with people and stepping outside the four corners of your room. This can also create lasting friendships that are built on a shared love for music, which is always a wonderful feeling.
From being excited about a new music release to going on a trip together, you’ll never know where these unexpected friendships will take you. Next thing you know, you’re knee-deep in always keeping up with them in the group chat.
Share concert memories
At the end of the day, you can always relive the magic of the concert and share your favorite memories online. Posting photos and videos on social media is a way to tell the world that you were there. Aside from a teeny tiny bit of humble bragging about finally hearing your favorite artist or band perform live, you can always look back at those moments on your socials whenever you want to transport yourself back to that dimly lit venue, packed with thousands of screaming fans.
But if you’re more of a pen-and-paper kind of person, why not turn your experience into a journal or scrapbook entry? Write about your cherished memories, from your reaction to hearing a surprise song on the setlist to a spontaneous core memory that only the concert you attended will hold dear.
Relive the hype and blast the setlist
Once you’re settled in and ready to relive the songs curated for the concert, it’s time to blast the setlist. It’s not entirely a bad thing to immerse yourself in the music all over again. Whether you’re doing your daily chores, commuting to work or school, singing along in the shower, or even having your own “concert” in your room, this collection of songs you sang your heart out to can be a great mood booster. Plus, you also get to relive the concert in your head, right from the intro to the encore, as soon as the songs play.
If you’re feeling low on energy, perhaps the setlist can bring back the excitement from the concert. While you’re at it, this can be a way for you to tap into the lore of your favorite artist — watching live performances, exploring unreleased tracks from their discography, and being entertained by quirky interviews — just to keep the hype alive.
Get moving
Dancing to the beat of the song you can’t stop listening to is always a great push to get the blood flowing. You can also get your steps in, as people are into running and walking sessions nowadays. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our curated running playlist.
Physical activity releases endorphins — the feel-good hormones that help in beating sadness. But if heavy physical activity isn’t your thing, you can always do yoga and meditation. Taking things slow and having a moment to relax helps you and your mind stay steady, free from the fast pace everything around us seems to have. Whatever keeps you moving is always valid. As long as you keep the blood and mind flowing, you’re all set.
Plan your next concert
The best way to beat post-concert blues? Start planning your next one!
Check out upcoming dates for the next concert or gig that may be a good stress reliever after a pretty heavy week. Having something to look forward to, such as your next concert, adds a bit of will to live for many of us. This can also be a way for you to explore new artists to see live and in living color. Nothing is better than discovering a new artist or band and instantly vibing with their music.
For a music festival that features a lineup of a plethora of artists and bands, why not invite your friends and loved ones to make the experience more exciting? After all, memories are best shared with the people you love. If you’re feeling a bit cautious about maybe experiencing another case of post-concert blues, then always remember how you got over the previous one.