Come this weekend, I, along with 1500 other brave souls will be sacrificing my body, time, and probably even my sanity to dance for 30 hours straight. As a second year dancer I’ll admit that DM is no easy feat, but I wouldn’t be dong it again if it wasn’t so incredible. DM is an amazing experience, but only if you are prepared both mentally and physically.
Check out this pre-DM regimen to prepare yourself for one of the unique experiences you’ll ever have at Northwestern! And GET EXCITED!
1. Cut out Caffeine
Credit: Huffington Post
I know, when I heard this tip, I went a little crazy too. Caffeine may keep you from doing off in your 9 a.m. lecture but you don’t want to be getting the shakes for caffeine when you have 20 hours left to go. Cutting out caffeine the week before DM will help your body want it a little less during DM, which will help the inevitable block 4 crash be a little less of a blow (or at least that’s the idea). If you can’t go completely cold turkey try substituting a 2-shot espresso for an option lower in caffeine like tea. Unsure of the caffeine hierarchy? Check out this caffeine chart from the Mayo Clinic.
2. Treat your Body Like a Temple
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You’re about to force your body to do something it was just simply not made to do. And at times, its going to hate you for that. So this week, try to stay as healthy as possible so that you begin DM with plenty of energy. That means getting as much sleep (what’s that?) as you can. Try to be as efficient as possible and focus on getting the assignments that absolutely must be done before DM first before you start to tackle those extras. Also, make sure to stay hydrated and eat well. You know the difference in how you feel after eating McDonalds and a healthy homemade meal. When you treat you body great, you feel great. Dining halls and dorms provide us with some limitations, of course, but try to stay away from anything that could make you sick, and especially try to drink lots of water.
3. Stay Active
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Staying on your feet for 30 hours is not a task to be taken lightly. Make sure you’re staying active during the week leading up to DM. Working out will help you build up endurance so you can push through those rough middle blocks. That being said, don’t kill the morning of DM. The last thing you want to do is start sore, because trust me, you’ll be sore soon enough. Instead of intense cardio or strength workouts the day of DM, remember to stretch. Get your muscles loose so you can relax and break out those moves on the dance floor!
4. Pack Early
The day of DM you do not want to add any extra stress to your life. Make sure to pack all of your outfits and supplies you’ll need for DM at least the night before. That way, you’ll have time to add stuff you forgot and you’ll be able to relax. Unsure of what to pack? DM has a list for you!
5. Mentally Prepare
Credit: Women’s Health Magazine
If I could give any advice to someone doing DM for the first time, it would be to keep a positive attitude. Mental preparation is key before and during DM. If you go in thinking this is going to the worst thing that’s ever happened to you, it probably will be. GET EXCITED you are part of one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the country, and YOU are making a difference in the lives of children with Duchenne. Be thankful that you have the opportunity to participate in something so special, and enjoy it!