While thanks to influencers it seems like fashion week is the ultra-glam event that everyone imagines it to be, the average fashion week participant knows it to be a far cry from the stories we all publish. A low point goes something like this. You start out determined to eat healthy, get your protein in and keep your blood sugar stable. By day 5, you find yourself alternating between extreme involuntary fasting and scarfing down pastry for the quick supply of energy, washed down by untold amounts of coffee. This results in a jittery out-of-it feeling, but you have to power through. Sleep, for a variety of reasons is compromised, which aggravates the situation. More coffee, more anxiety. Most people are in this state, which can lead to bad vibes and shows of ego all around. Then, we throw in alcohol. As much as we say we will learn to decline those male model waiters' offers of sparkly free champagne, it's a tall order after the days we've had. The next day feels even more zombie-like, and more sugar and caffeine is required to function. You end up short with others, if not altogether ignoring them to save your remaining sanity, and there is a knock-on effect as they wonder why they were snubbed. They reach for another champagne to soften the blow. By Paris, many of us feel like we need to be checked-into a full-on Mayr-Clinic-type facility. How can we stop this cycle dead in it's tracks? Here are some guidelines...
Skip the Parties
This week can be overwhelming socially, physically, and emotionally. While networking and socializing in a chill venue can be good professionally, it can also allow for you to further overexert yourself, and use an excess amount of energy when your reserves are already low in that department. Ultimately, if there is no professional obligation, skipping unnecessary events in order to have your best chance at preserving your psychological and physical health is the best decision to make in regards to self-care.
Say No to Champagne
If you do go, easy on the complimentary beverages. Afterparties often come with an added social pressure to drink, and the free champagne can be tempting after a long stressful day. That free champagne doesn’t come without a cost, with alcohol’s ability to impact sleep, and disrupt the necessary REM sleep you need to feel rested. You most likely will wake early the next day and find yourself worse off for the previous night’s drinks.
Sleep Mode
Speaking of sleep, you’ll want to prioritize it. This means that when you finally get back to your hotel, provided there’s nothing due urgently, pivot to a bedtime routine. Don’t sit there for an hour scrolling through Instagram. You're bound to see something that will piss you off, and this will not prepare your overstimulate brain for the sleep it needs to stay in a positive mood, increase productivity and higher energy levels you’ll need the next hectic day running from show to show.
Feed Yourself
Your basic human needs may seem trivial, but during stressful periods of time they become increasingly important to your overall health. Fueling your body helps to also fuel your brain so that you are as alert, focused, and happy as possible throughout these long days. It is equally important to ensure you’re eating the right foods to boost healthy brain function, and increase positive moods to keep you going all day. Consuming foods and drinks such as eggs, salmon, nuts, blueberries, oranges, coffee, dark chocolate and green tea are high in antioxidants, and vitamins that support memory, alertness, positive mood, and even relaxation.
Get Out
Being out in nature, taking a deep breath, and disconnecting between shows for even 5 minutes can be game-changing. Whether its Central Park, Tuileries, Hyde Park, or Parco Sempione, take a moment to retreat to a natural environment, and center yourself before you head back into the fashion abyss.
Get Savvy With Supplements
Even the most determined of us will slip with the above recommendations, especially as the weeks progress. Avoid becoming a shell of your former self and replenish the nutrients that help regulate your mood and energy levels. Neurozan – a diverse cocktail of vitabiotics that boost brain function are the best one-stop shop. Makes packing easier.
If you should find yourself at New York Fashion Week. don’t forget to stop by the Modrn Sanctuary x The Psychology of Fashion pop-up to help decompress during the week with our edit of services. Find out more.