Feeling the rush? This is what dopamine does for you

You’re out with friends, going to a festival, and are feeling the rush in your body. Even before a festival begins, you might already feel excited. This is because dopamine activity already rises in the brain. Dopamine is not only released during the fun moments, but also beforehand. Planning a festival trip, buying tickets, and talking about the upcoming experience, already activate the reward system in the brain. And that’s where dopamine comes kicking in.

The effect of dopamine during festivals

Festivals provide a flood of new and stimulating experiences. It is one of the reasons why you will feel excited before and during the festival. The human brain loves novelties, and a festival is full of them. Imagine the sounds, bright lights, costumes and, of course, a crowd cheering for their favourite DJ or dance act. All of these factors keep the dopamine system active. Each new experience is a potential reward, and thus a reason for releasing dopamine.

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Power of music

One of the most important reasons that dopamine occurs in your brain, is because of the live music. Scientific studies proved that live music has a strong relationship with dopamine. Especially during emotional peaks in music, such as a chorus or genius beat drop, the dopamine might spike. During listening to music, dopamine can increase up to 9 precent in the body. That’s enough to feel emotionally intense music. At an event, these musical highs are even more intensified from the crowed and the immersive atmosphere. It is one of the reasons why you feel euphoria during partying.

Also, another factor comes into play when going to a festival. It is the social interaction with the crowd. Think about it: you are dancing with strangers, cheering together, and spending time with friends. When people engage in a positive environment, sharing experiences, dopamine lets you feel a connection and trust. Especially these group activities, like singing, dancing or hugging, might boost dopamine in your body. And you will feel happy and excited.

Other activities that might let you feel the rush

Dancing and singing are not the only activities that might let you feel the rush. If you are a real thrill seeker, you might have experienced the effects of dopamine before. For example, when you try online gokken zonder cruks (which is online gambling without the cruks-system in The Netherlands). It means that you have full control of your privacy and will be able to play games you will find in a regular casino, but online. Think of the rush when playing blackjack or online roulette, where you will have the same situation of social connections and bonding.

Motivation and goal-seeking

Another key function of dopamine is driving towards goal-directed behavior. That means: finding the perfect spot near the stage, exploring every food stall or chasing a secret set. Dopamine keeps the crowd motivated and focused. It is one of the reasons why almost no visitor of a hardstyle festival will ever feel down. Dopamine encourages people to seek out for more rewarding experiences. Even if you have to walk for miles or stay up all night all is fine. The brain remains highly engaged with dopamine.

When the effects fade

Dopamine won’t stay in your body forever. After the festival ends, dopamine levels drop significantly. And that could lead to a temporary emotional letdown. This is known as a ‘festival comedown’, and it means people will feel sad once the event is over. It is not a sign that something is wrong, however. There is no reason to see a therapist, it is just a natural consequence of the body feeling the decrease of dopamine. Now that you know about what dopamine does for you, you might be able to cope better with these post-festival lows.

Remainders of dopamine effect

However, once the festival is over, you will still feel the remainders of the dopamine effect. The brain associates certain music, visuals, and feelings with positive memories when dopamine levels were high. This explains why hearing a song from the festival, might bring you back to these positive dopamine-driven experiences. It is one of the reasons why you will often remember these vivid memories and emotions. It will strengthen the desire to go to a festival again, to feel the same feeling again. And so, you are starting a new cycle of anticipation, reward, and return. The whole cycle starts over again.