The Midnight Pumpkin Blog

Cosplay conventions and comic cons are usually big and packaged with people, and often lead to a case of “con crud” after you get home. Con crud is a miserable mix of ailments from the sniffles to a sore throat or fever.

Staying healthy and washing your hands is a step in the right direction for avoiding getting hit with the crud, but the excitement of a convention can often lead to neglecting one’s health.

Read on for tips to help you maintain your well-being while enjoying the convention experience.

Staying Healthy While Cosplaying:

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re wearing a costume that may cause you to sweat more than usual. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and take regular hydration breaks.

If you can’t carry a water bottle, most conventions should have water fountains available, but save that as last resort due to all those con germs!

Wash Your Hands

I think everyone (including me) has gotten a little better at hand washing since COVID, but it still needs to be mentioned on this list. Clean hands help stop the spread of all those crud-causing germs.

Take Breaks

Don’t forget to take breaks from wearing your cosplay, especially if it’s cumbersome or restrictive. Give yourself time to rest, stretch, and move around to prevent muscle stiffness and fatigue.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Choose comfortable, supportive footwear that you can walk and stand in for extended periods. Consider wearing orthotic inserts or cushioned insoles to reduce discomfort and prevent foot pain.

And give them a test run early! Don’t wait for the day before the event to try walking in them and find out those pointy toe high heels are going to kill your feet,

Remember to Eat

Fuel your body with nutritious meals and snacks to sustain your energy levels throughout the day. Pack healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and granola bars to keep you fueled during conventions or events.

Sometimes conventions don’t have easy access to food, so be prepared!

Get Adequate Sleep

Prioritize restful sleep to recharge your body and mind. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, especially during busy cosplay weekends or events, to support overall health and well-being.

Practice Proper Skincare

Take care of your skin by cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting it from the sun, especially if you’re wearing heavy makeup or prosthetics as part of your cosplay. Use gentle skincare products suitable for your skin type to avoid irritation.

Always remove your makeup before bed. Your skin will thank you for it.

Stay Mindful of Temperature

Pay attention to the temperature and weather conditions, especially if you’re wearing a costume that exposes a lot of skin or has limited ventilation. Dress appropriately for the climate and take precautions to avoid overheating or getting too cold.

Prioritize Mental Health

Take care of your mental health by managing stress, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care. Remember that cosplay should be enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to take a step back if it becomes overwhelming or stressful.

Also, some people experience post-con withdrawal after all the con excitement. Post-con withdrawal, also known as post-con depression or “PCD,” is a common phenomenon experienced by individuals after leaving a convention or event.

It is characterized by feelings of sadness, loneliness, or a sense of letdown after the excitement and social interaction of the event have ended.

Remember that it’s natural to experience a transition period after a highly stimulating event like a convention. By acknowledging these feelings and implementing coping strategies, you can navigate post-con withdrawal and continue to embrace the positive aspects of cosplaying and convention participation.

Have Fun and Avoid the Con Crud

By following these tips, you can prioritize your health and well-being and hopefully avoid the con crud while still enjoying the creativity and excitement of cosplaying.

But sometimes it seems unavoidable. I almost always get a touch of the crud after a big con like DragonCon. It’s a mix of being around so many people from so many places, where you are very close together, and you are a bit run down from several days of partying and cosplay fun.

Crud happens, but you can always take steps to try and avoid it.