Like several people, living in a post-Covid world has left behind a unique worry to the generations who now have first-hand experience with the pandemic. Quarantine, while over, lingers in the minds of those who have concerns about public spaces.
The world has reopened its doors, yet worries remain in some people while others walked back out with no hesitance. Gratitude for gatherings is felt by the whole of every community, but there is no use denying that the isolation and fear of sickness have rendered a collection of people anxious– especially at the prospect of crowded settings, like that of a concert.
That being said, if you are one of those people, you are not alone! We grow accustomed to daily practices and areas at different paces. For some, it starts on a bus or in a classroom. For music lovers, the challenge is familiarizing ourselves with concert venues.
New releases this year, major tours, and a burning desire to see our favorite artists in concert– possibly for the first time in years– have people considering purchasing tickets to attend live performances. While in-person education and work have resumed, recreational or leisurely activities still have a connotation tied to them that may be hard to accept for certain individuals.
I’m not here to tell you to get over yourself and rejoin society, because this is a genuine hardship and struggle for more people than you would think. However, there is something to be said about concert anxiety in general. Collectively speaking, some of us aren’t made for in-person concerts and that’s okay!
A lot of factors go into someone’s tolerance and whether it’s noise, claustrophobia, or the chance of catching germs, they are all valid. If you’re someone working toward challenging your worries, though, there are certain ways you can go about breaking those barriers. For example, some may feel most comfortable carrying a mask among their belongings to put on which is more than acceptable in any public setting.
If you want to start with small gigs, check out local venues! There is constantly a cycle of shows, getting into the scene and attending a few with a limited amount of people can be a great way to exercise your tolerance. Work your way up to the big stuff! Not to mention that it is a great way to support artists near you.
Overstimulation is equally as common, and to that, I offer the same advice. Another method of ensuring comfort and safety would be to bring along some materials that may come in handy. Ear plugs, water (if you can), and hand sanitizer just to name a few.
Never feel pressured to attend concerts, either. If it’s not in the cards for you then there is no use putting yourself through an experience that you’re not ready for. These events are meant to be fun, not anxiety-inducing. You are not more or less of a fan whether you attend live performances or not.
Music is meant to be enjoyed, whether it’s in a large sea of fellow listeners or the comfort of your own bedroom makes a difference. All that matters is your well-being and that you are happy, healthy, and listening to some good tunes.
