In the business of meetings and events, life can feel like a never ending to-do list with demanding priorities. It can be all consuming when it comes to busy season, causing stress that can affect you even once you’ve left the office walls. It’s important to find ways to balance your time and mind so that you are able to maintain a positive outlook, both mentally and physically.
With stress-awareness month well under way in April, here are a few tips on how meeting and event planning professionals can make their mental health a priority and successfully manage stress.
Stress-less practices for event planners
Plan ahead
Avoid unnecessary stress by planning as much as possible in the run up to an event, at work or in your personal life. Make a list and consider if you really need to do everything on it – keep it simple and cut out the unnecessary. Consider what you can do in advance to save time.
Be okay with saying ‘no’
It’s important to be realistic about what you can do in a given time frame and not to take on too much if you are struggling. You’re not being selfish by saying “no” to some things or asking for help. You don’t have to do everything yourself, at home or at work.
Create ‘me’ time
When your job requires you to always be thinking about what you can do to best service your client, it’s important to make sure that you do something for yourself, too. If you find it difficult, try booking something for yourself in advance or setting a day aside just for you. Who doesn’t love a day spent in lounge wear? Remember it’s important to press pause sometimes.
Don’t just stick to the sofa
Tempting as it is to stay in and over-indulge in goodies in your free time, try instead to get some fresh air and exercise. A brisk walk outside is a nice way to spend time with loved ones, or a day trip somewhere. Four walls can start to close in so get out into the wide open spaces and breathe.
Learn how to incorporate mindfulness into events
Don’t believe the hype
TV and social media would have you believe everyone has a perfectly curated life full of Instagrammable moments. Don’t believe the hype. Remember that everyone is only sharing the good bits and none of us know what is going on behind the scenes. Don’t get sucked into measuring your life and letting FOMO get the better of you.
It’s good to talk
If you are feeling overwhelmed or under pressure, talk to someone about it. Sometimes, just getting something off your chest or hearing a different perspective on a situation can make you feel a lot better. You don’t have to go at it alone.
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Originally published Feb 4, 2020 2:00:00 AM
Last updated on Apr 20, 2023 2:19:15 PM
