Here’s What Happens To Your Hormones When You Buy Concert Tickets

Is it us, or are concert tickets so much harder to get these days? Between the numerous fans, endless digital queues and ticket scalpers, the experience of actually getting a gig ticket has become horrendously stressful. And it’s made all the worse if you want to see some of the biggest acts on the planet (we’re looking at you, Taylor Swift). And now, with Oasis back on the scene, we expect the madness to start up all over again – and with it, the stress. But before you get your concert tickets, it might be worth considering what it will do to your hormones.

What Happens To Your Hormones In The Concert Ticket Queue?

Getting concert tickets can feel like the five stages of grief. There’s denial (‘There won’t be that many people trying to get tickets, surely?’), anger (‘How many people in the queue?’), bargaining (‘Let’s try resale.’), depression (‘We’re never going to get those tickets, are we?’) and acceptance (‘Maybe next time?’). On the flip side, when you do snap up those tickets, it can feel like the most rewarding experience ever.

But when you’re actually sitting in the online queue, you’re body is doing a lot more than bouncing its leg in nervousness. ‘Essentially, the brain’s reward system plays an instrumental role in why the body reacts so strongly to getting concert tickets,’ explains Mike Kocsis, a hormone health expert at Balance My Hormones. ‘Securing tickets sparks a sudden surge in the feel-good hormone dopamine, which not only promotes a feeling of euphoria but also relief. There is also the realisation that you are set to experience a greatly anticipated event, fuelling the feeling of elation.’

@laurjacksonn this audio is too fitting #ticketmaster #concerttickets ♬ original sound – Abram Engle

So, what exactly happens to our hormones when buying concert tickets?

1. Cortisol Spikes

‘Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone”, is released by your body in response to the anticipation of challenges – and getting Oasis tickets will certainly not be easy,’ says Mike. ‘In the lead up to tickets going on sale, you body will start to produce more and more cortisol, causing heightened alertness, racing thoughts and difficult sleeping. This is the body’s way of keeping you on your toes, making sure you’re ready for action.’

2. Adrenaline Kicks In

Hot on the heels of cortisol is an adrenaline spike. ‘This is your fight-or-flight response, which is released in times of acute stress, giving you a quick burst of energy to react to what your body perceives as a significant event,’ explains Mike. ‘In this case, it might be released at the moment you join the online queue for tickets, and can manifest as a pounding heart, sweaty palms, or even the urge to cry.’

3. Successful? Oxytocin

If you manage to actually grab tickets, you’ll then be flooded with a rush of happiness. ‘Once you’ve successfully secured your tickets, the “love hormone”, oxytocin, comes into play,’ Mike confirms. ‘It’s involved in bonding and attachment, and is responsible for the deep connection you feel with the band and their music. The wave of relief and emotion you feel when you’ve got your tickets is tied to this surge of hormones, which strengthens the sense of joy you feel.’

4. Not So Successful? Endorphins

‘If you’re not successful, however, your body will produce endorphins,’ Mike tells us. ‘These are natural painkillers that elevate your mood, and help soothe physical and emotional discomfort. These help you manage the feelings of loss and letting go, and adjust to the disappointment of not getting tickets.’

5. A Balance Of Serotonin

Whatever the outcome, your body will then look for ways to regulate itself. Cue, serotonin. ‘After the initial rush subsides, you might find yourself putting on old albums and reflecting on what this reunion means to you,’ says Mike. ‘Serotonin is a hormone that regulates mood, and helps you process the event in a balanced way, promoting feelings of contentment and emotional stability as you think about the upcoming event, that you’ve been waiting so long for.’

6. Dopamine Gives You A Pat On The Back

Those who managed to snag tickets will also get another happy boost, courtesy of dopamine. ‘The “reward hormone”, dopamine, is released when you’re able to acknowledge the significance of the event and securing the tickets,’ explains Mike. ‘Whether it’s from the joy of reliving your youth or the satisfaction of knowing you’ll be part of something historic, dopamine reinforces the positive emotions and ensures that this moment is something you’ll associate with happiness for years to come.’

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Are Hormone Spikes Like This Dangerous?

It sounds like a lot, but Mike assures us that hormone fluxes like these are completely normal. ‘Spikes in dopamine that are associated with the experiences such as accessing concert tickets are a part of the brains normal function and therefore, not dangerous,’ he confirms. ‘However, dopamine is closely linked to addiction, and if you persist in chasing experiences that ignite a surge in adrenaline, then it can become problematic.’

Why Do We Feel So Tired After Getting Concert Tickets?

Ever experienced the energy crash after buying gig tickets? It’s likely the effects of your hormones trying to regulate themselves. ‘Acute stress, that is built upon a sudden release of cortisol and adrenaline, is often short lived, and hormones will rebalance within a few hours,’ explains Mike. ‘There may be fluctuation in mood as hormones settle. However, it may lead to you feeling drained, and tiredness will linger for several hours.’

How To Regulate Hormones While Getting Concert Tickets

When it comes to dialling down the stress, the best thing you can do it be on it with ticket information. Sign up for presales, double check the date and time and be ready to join the queue well in advance.

‘Preparation is key,’ adds Mike. ‘Your control of the outcome is limited, however. Make an effort to control what you can. Register with your preferred ticketing site, set your alarm and have your payment details saved. Above all, ensure that your internet is solid.’

He also emphasises the importance of having a clear budget and goal in mind. ‘Do not commit to anything that you are likely to regret or worry about later, he says. ‘It’s easy to get carried away in the excitement, but set a budget and stick to it.’

Featured image: Aaron Paul, Unsplash