You’ve just wrapped up an unforgettable Coachella weekend—your body is sore, work is calling, and exhaustion is setting in. Now what? Recovery might not be top of mind after days of partying, but a little self-care now will save you from feeling even worse later.
If you camped (like we did), the morning pack-up probably felt brutal—but totally worth it (because camping is the best).
While you might think you can power through without a recovery plan, trust me, how you take care of yourself now will determine how you feel in the days (and even weeks) ahead.
Between dehydration, intense heat, sun exposure, and the dreaded Coachella Cough, your body needs some serious TLC.
This guide covers all the tried-and-true recovery tips to help you bounce back fast so you’re ready for whatever’s next.
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Related Post: Coachella Camping Routine (Morning & Night)
Coachella Weekend Self-Care: Hydrate. Rest. Repeat
Being prepared is key to making the most of your Coachella weekend while avoiding unnecessary stress, dehydration, and that dreaded post-festival crash. Saline nasal spray is a must—the desert dust is no joke, and your nose will feel it.
A quick spray in the morning and at night will help keep it moisturized and clear. Eye drops are another lifesaver because the dry, dusty air will leave your eyes red and irritated. Keep them hydrated so you can actually see the festival instead of rubbing your eyes all day.
To avoid the infamous Coachella Cough, bring a bandana or face mask to cover your mouth and nose. Trust me, everyone wears one—even if they don’t post it in their festival pics.
Hydration is everything, so bring a reusable water bottle or hydration pack and refill it constantly. The heat is intense, and dehydration sneaks up fast, especially if you’re drinking alcohol.
Moisturize like your skin depends on it (because it does). Apply lotion in the morning and at night to keep your skin from drying out, and of course, load up on SPF all day long.
And finally, get some sleep—I know, I know, you don’t go to Coachella to sleep. But at least be reasonable. If you’re staying out late (or let’s be real, early into the morning), try to sleep in when you can. Aim for at least 5-6 hours, because trust me, running on empty all weekend will catch up with you. Take care of yourself so you can enjoy every second of the festival! 🌵🎶✨
Post-Coachella Self-Care Routine and Guide
There are a few ways to get back to feeling like yourself again after the weekend – you’re not going to love them all, starting with getting home early—the sooner you leave on Monday, the better.
Packing up and hitting the road as early as possible will help you avoid the worst of the post-festival traffic.
Make a stop for a real meal once you’re out of Palm Springs. Nothing will recharge you more than a hearty breakfast and some good coffee.
Take some time, stretch your legs after your meal and then head home. For us, it’s a good way to break up the drive and keep us awake.
When you get back home (hopefully early), unload your car—at least the basics.
You don’t have to unpack every single thing right away, but moving your camping gear to the garage or getting your hotel extras inside will make your life easier.
Sort your laundry – and if you have the energy, throw in a load, but if not, at least separate your dusty Coachella clothes so they’re not sitting in a pile for days.
Give your shoes a quick dust-off because let’s be real, they’re probably covered in nasties.
Related Post: Tips for Surviving Extreme Heat at Coachella
Once you’ve tackled the essentials, it’s time to take the best shower or bath of your life. After that? Nap.
A post-Coachella nap just hits different, and you’re going to need the rest. Hopefully, you didn’t schedule work that day because exhaustion is real.
Once you’ve been revived after your much needed nap, enjoy a hearty meal (something with protein to help your body recover) and ease back into your routine.
There’s still more to do when it comes to full post-Coachella recovery, from hydration to getting your sleep schedule back on track.
Keep reading for all the self-care tips you need to feel like yourself again. Enjoy, and I hope this helps! 💛
Hydrate & Replenish Your Body
💧 Rehydrate ASAP
After a weekend of dancing in the sun, sipping on drinks, and sweating nonstop, there’s a good chance you’re seriously dehydrated.
The combination of intense heat, long hours on your feet, and alcohol can leave you feeling drained. The best way to bounce back quickly is by replenishing your electrolytes.
Hydration powders like Liquid I.V., DripDrop, or LMNT, coconut water, and sports drinks are all great options to restore what your body lost.
Keep sipping water consistently throughout the day, and if plain water isn’t cutting it, add in an electrolyte boost to speed up recovery.
🥗 Nourish with Nutrient-Dense Foods
After a wild Coachella weekend, your body is craving real nourishment—hydration, protein, and all the good stuff to help you bounce back. The key? Balance. It’s not about forcing yourself to only eat salads and smoothies (unless that’s what you’re in the mood for). Instead, think about the phrase: “Have what you want and add what you need.”
If you’re craving a grilled cheese, go for it. Want something hearty and comforting like mac and cheese? Mix in some rotisserie chicken or a side of sautéed spinach for an easy protein boost. Eggs, avocado toast, and protein-packed breakfast burritos are great options that feel satisfying while also giving your body the nutrients it needs.
Hydrating foods like watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, and celery help replenish lost fluids, while anti-inflammatory options like salmon, turmeric, and leafy greens can help with bloating and fatigue.
No need to go all-in on a detox—just focus on giving your body what it needs while still enjoying what you love. Keep it simple, listen to your cravings, and let your food work for you!
Refresh & Reset
After a weekend of nonstop music, dancing, and (let’s be real) probably a few too many drinks, it’s time to refresh, not restrict. No extreme detoxing here—just a little reset to help you feel like yourself again.
First things first, give your body a break from alcohol and focus on hydrating, nourishing drinks instead. A big glass of lemon water in the morning is a simple way to wake up your system, and if you’re a tea person, a light peppermint or ginger tea can help soothe your stomach. If your digestion feels off, lots of water, fiber-rich foods, and rest will do the trick—no need for anything extreme.
And I know we talked about it earlier, but that post-festival shower is so important. That first long, hot shower after Coachella is pure bliss. Take your time, scrub off the layers of dust, sweat, and festival glitter, and let yourself relax.
Use a hydrating body wash, an exfoliating scrub, and don’t forget after-sun care if you got a little too much sun. If you’re dealing with a sunburn, aloe vera gel, and vitamin E oil work wonders to soothe and heal your skin.
Once you’re clean, moisturize—morning and night—to combat all that desert dryness. If your face needs extra love, throw on a hydrating sheet mask while you chill. This isn’t about “detoxing”—it’s just about giving your body what it needs to recover.
Take it easy, hydrate, and enjoy the reset!
Prioritize Rest & Recovery
After a wild weekend at Coachella, sleep is your best friend—and honestly, it might take a few nights to fully bounce back. Aim for a solid 8 hours of sleep each night, and if you’re struggling to fall asleep at a normal time, stick to a wind-down routine—dim the lights, put your phone away, and make your space cozy. A good eye mask and a cooling pillow can help you get deeper rest, especially if your sleep schedule is all over the place.
Beyond sleep, gentle movement can help with recovery—even if it’s just a short walk to get your body moving again. If you’re feeling extra stiff, a few light stretches or foam rolling can loosen up tight muscles (your feet will thank you!). A warm bath with Epsom salts is also a great way to relax and ease any lingering soreness.
No need to overdo it—this is all about letting your body recharge while still staying active enough to avoid that post-festival slump. Keep things easy, rest when you need to, and you’ll be feeling back to normal in no time!
Until Next Year, Coachella Crew!
Coachella weekend is an unforgettable experience, but the days after can hit hard—Coachella Cough is real, and your body needs time to recover.
Taking care of yourself post-festival isn’t just about bouncing back quickly—it’s about feeling good so you can get back to enjoying life without dragging through the week.
Hydrate, rest, nourish your body, and ease back into your routine. A little effort now means you’ll be feeling like yourself again in no time.
If you need hydration boosters, comfy sleep essentials, or skin-saving products, check out our favorite recovery must-haves linked throughout this post.
Hopefully, these tips help you shake off the post-festival fog and get back to feeling amazing. Until next year—rest up, recover, and keep the festival vibes alive! 🎡✨
XOXO,
Julia
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of Coachella and beyond!
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