It’s one thing to stand for all 46 hours of THON Weekend from the Bryce Jordan Center where you’re surrounded by music, activities, and all your friends. Sure, it’s exhausting, but with all the performances, free food, and perks that you get as a dancer, it’s definitely entertaining.

This year, however, dancers and supporters are taking a slightly different approach.

With an all-virtual THON Weekend this year — especially one that includes sleep breaks — dancers and supporters alike are going to be playing the mental game. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to successfully make it through to Sunday.

Get Some Sleep

This year, THON Weekend includes some helpful sleep breaks where the livestream will be down. Even though you might be tempted to stand for all 46 hours, you should definitely take advantage of these few hours where you can catch a few Zs between midnight and 6 a.m.

Not to be a downer, but dancers have significantly less in-person support during this THON Weekend than in years past. There is no medical team standing by to help you if you need it, so if something happens to you, there’s a big chance you’re on your own.

Dancing in THON is just as impressive this year as it is any other year, so don’t feel ashamed to sleep for a few hours!

Stay Hydrated

Hydrate or die-drate, amirite? Drinking water is super important no matter where you’re dancing, but it’s especially important this year while you’re pretty much responsible for your own well-being. Obviously, just like any other year, you should stay away from alcohol, sugary drinks, and anything that contains caffeine.

Grab your favorite water bottle and fill ‘er up. You’re in for the long haul.

Have A Plan For Food

In previous years, THON provided dancers with meals and snacks whenever they need them, so dancers haven’t needed to think ahead about how they’re going to keep their energy up.

Planning ahead for food, whether that means having some groceries standing by in your apartment, pre-made meals in the fridge, or a few friends ready to drop off your favorite dish, is going to make a huge difference because it’s one less thing that you’ll have to think about.

Find Distractions

At the BJC, there are a ton of distractions. Besides the constant performances and live entertainment, there are many activities that dancers can participate in to keep their minds off the fact that they’re exhausted.

Now that you’ll be dancing from the comforts of your home, options are a little less limited, so it’s important that you keep yourself busy. This can look different for everyone, but some ideas include queuing up a fire playlist, playing video games with friends (in a COVID-friendly manner), or any other activity that keeps you hyped up and ready to go.

If you run out of ideas, you can always participate in some of this year’s theme hours. THON prepared a handy THON 2021 Spectator Guide with countless other ideas, including stretches, games, and even Spotify playlists, to keep you moving.