How to Deal with Post-Event Stress (Especially After LARP): a guest post by Immy Small

Immy posted this to the Bothwell Discord after B7, and I asked if I could post it here… This is almost verbatim (I changed it to ‘larp’, so sue me.), and any or all of it might be useful to someone.

Starts.

Not all advice will help everyone. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t.

After an emotionally intense event like LRP, it’s common to feel out of sorts. Think of it like emotional shock – because in a way, it is. The human brain isn’t great at distinguishing between the emotions of a character and real-life experiences. So, to your brain and body, everything you just went through was real.

Whether you’re feeling drained, disconnected, just off, or perfectly fine, this is some gathered wisdom for looking after yourself after an emotionally intense event. This applies to post-event drop, emotional shock, and general recovery after immersive experiences.

Prioritise Self-Care

Rest & Sleep: You’ve been through a lot. Emotional stress + likely not enough sleep = sleep debt. Allow yourself time to rest – more than usual. Establish a calming nighttime routine if you can.

Healthy Diet: You used up a lot of energy (physically and emotionally).Comfort food is great – but try to balance it to help your body replenish and rebalance.

Hydration: Drink lots of water. If you’re feeling especially depleted, consider hydration salts or electrolyte drinks.

Gentle Movement: Try walking, stretching, or yoga. Moving your body can help release residual stress and tension, and lift your mood.

Mindfulness: Deep breathing, meditation, or just taking a few minutes to be still and notice your thoughts can help calm your nervous system. Even five minutes of grounding can help you reconnect with yourself.

Create a Safe Space: Whether it’s curling up in your bed, lighting a candle, or playing calming music – surround yourself with things that help you feel safe and grounded.

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