Post-Event Recovery: The Art of Doing Nothing (and Why It Matters)

Another PAX Australia has come and gone, the panels have wrapped, the merch bags are bursting, and your feet are probably still recovering from hours of walking the expo floor. There’s an undeniable buzz that lingers after a weekend like that, the excitement, the inspiration, the flood of new ideas and connections. But when the adrenaline fades and the caffeine crash hits, one truth becomes impossible to ignore: you’re exhausted.

And that’s okay.

Taking time to rest after a big weekend, whether that’s a convention, a festival, or any major event, isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Rest allows both the mind and body to process and recover from all the physical, emotional, and psychological exertion we put them through. It’s the quiet exhale after days of overstimulation, socialising, and sensory overload.

Science backs this up. Studies have shown a strong link between sleep duration and burnout, with people who get less than seven hours of sleep per night facing a significantly higher risk of burnout, regardless of gender. It’s a reminder that the “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mindset is less a badge of honour and more a fast track to exhaustion.

But rest isn’t only about sleep. True recovery means giving yourself permission to pause, to take breaks from work, from social commitments, even from your favourite leisure activities. It might look like spending an afternoon in silence after a weekend of noise, recharging with a quiet meal, or zoning out with your comfort show instead of diving straight into your inbox. These small pauses let your body and mind recalibrate, restoring your focus and resilience so you can return to your daily life feeling renewed rather than depleted.

Rest doesn’t have to mean lying in bed all day (though if that’s what your body needs, go for it). It’s about doing things that genuinely help you unwind and reset. Here are a few ways to ease yourself back into balance after a big event weekend:

• Revisit your favourite game or show. There’s something deeply soothing about sinking back into familiar worlds, whether that’s replaying a beloved indie game, catching up on Our Flag Means Death, or rewatching your comfort series for the hundredth time. It’s low-stakes joy, and that’s exactly what your brain needs right now.

• Go for a walk. Fresh air and gentle movement can do wonders for mental clarity. No need to treat it like exercise, think of it as a reset button. Pop in your headphones, put on some chill tunes or a podcast, and just wander.

• Connect with calm. After a high-energy weekend, it can be nice to ground yourself through quiet connection, a catch-up coffee with a friend, journaling, or even cuddling your pet. Small, mindful moments help transition you out of “event mode” and back into daily life.

• Indulge in comfort. That might mean cooking something nourishing, lighting a candle, or simply doing absolutely nothing. Give yourself permission to slow down, no guilt required.

These moments of intentional rest don’t just refill your energy; they remind you that recovery is part of the experience, not separate from it.

In a culture that often glorifies constant productivity, choosing to rest is an act of rebellion and self-respect. Regular rest and mindful recovery help protect against burnout, stave off poor motivation, and reduce the risk of long-term health issues. More importantly, they allow you to actually enjoy the things you love, like events such as PAX, without crashing the moment they’re over.

So, as you pack away your badges and decompress from the chaos, remember: recovery isn’t wasted time. It’s the foundation that keeps you creating, connecting, and thriving, one good night’s sleep at a time.