Advice for the LONG days..
 

The first couple days of my recruitment are long; about 5-6 hours. I didn't realize just how long that is until I went shopping recently. I was on my feet the whole time, by the end dragging, then I realized: Oh gosh, this is going to be just like my recruitment! Except, I have to look bright and cheerful at every party, like it's my first.

I'm sure there's advice all over this board about it, but I can't seem to find it. So, do any of you who've gone through the experience have any helpful advice? Is it just something you have to suck up? haha thanks :)

Have an emergency kit with you: you know most of it (the coffee filters, flipflops, water, TAMPAX) and tylenol. The excitement for the first round will carry you through. You WILL be exhausted by Pref...but so excited for Bid Night that you won't care.

And yes, please note: The Actives in all the houses have been working 12 to 14 hours EVERYDAY for a week to get ready to meet you. They are running on empty...but they'll be fine by Wednesday.

Again, have a wonderful time!

drink water every time it's offered to you. Dehydration is a problem. All that talking dries you out more than you'd think, and add that to the stress and the heat, and that's where a lot of the issues, headache, fatigue, soreness come from. If you haven't actually started recruitment yet, start drinking more water today. But don't chug, always sip.

Thanks, great advice!
KSU, thanks for pointing that out; when I get tired I usually make it obvious (not on purpose of course), so I'll be careful about that!

ellebud: I was planning on making one but..coffee filters? I've never heard of that haha what are they used for?

DubaiSis: Yes I have started hydrating big time, as I'm usually somewhat dehydrated because I hate water (not good!)

Be sure that you are eating more on the healthier side. Foods that are high in carbs and fat - like pizza and burgers may make you feel tired and/or sluggish. If you can, try to eat lean protiens and fruits and veggies every few hours. Not sure if you can bring food in your plastic bags, but if you can, I suggest some almonds.

Take some pain killer, a water bottle, and some snacks like granola bars, almonds, Nutri-Grain bars, etc. Also bring flip flops for in between parties to save your feet. Just don't get dehydrated and make sure to eat your snacks when you feel sluggish. They'll help you get a little more energy.

Just a word of caution on the water: You do want to hydrate, but not to the point where you have to pee badly. You don't want to have to excuse yourself to the restroom during a party - parties can be as short as 20 minutes, and if you spend two minutes in the bathroom peeing, washing your hands, making sure your skirt isn't caught in your pantyhose, etc. that's 10% of your time gone. You also don't want to be doing the potty dance during a party. If you're offered a bathroom break, use it. Remember what your mom said: "Why didn't you go before we left the house?!" (OK, maybe your mom didn't say that, but mine did.)

I second the suggestion of bringing water, something to nibble on (trail mix?), coffee filters, a couple of tampons, pain killer, and flip flops or other comfy shoes to wear between parties.

Good luck with recruitment!

Some non-impact exercise in the morning or evening might help you feel better on those long days. I find stretching to be very refreshing and relaxing. (If you do Yoga or mat Pilates, that will achieve the same thing.)

Some stretching exercises to do in the morning or evening:
- Bend over and let your arms hang, then "stir" them around clockwise, then counterclockwise. Repeat.
- Bend over and hug your ankles for 10 seconds. Relax, then repeat.
- Calf raises on a step/stair. 10 times.
- Grab your foot behind you with the same side arm. Pull up gently for 10 seconds. (Use the other arm to balance on something if you need to). Change sides.
- With one hand, grab the wrist of the opposite arm, and pull that arm behind your head, bending at a 90 degree angle. Hold. Switch arms.
- Roll your shoulders forward and backward, 5 times each.
- Drop your head down forward, then roll to the right side. Face forward, drop your head down forward, and roll to the left side.
- Drop your head down, roll to one side, continue to the back, to the opposite side, and down to the front again. Switch sides.
- Get a towel or mat and lay on your back, flat on the floor. Put your arms at your sides and straighten your legs. Breathe in (slowly) through your nose to a count of 5, breathe out to a count of 5. Breathe (in sequence) to your head, neck, shoulders, arms, chest, upper and lower back, stomach, hips, thighs, knees, ankles and feet. You might find your neck/back cracking a bit as it relaxes.

I know I put a lot in there, but these exercises can really help you energize in the morning, or relax in the evening. Good luck!

Oh, and yes, I know where you are going through so it may be quite warm. If you have access to a freezer and it is very hot out, get one of those frozen bag things. And between parties put it behind your neck and at pulse points. You will cool down immediately. At the end of the evening refreeze.

The last is from our days playing sports on hot days.