It’s that time of year again when we all start looking back at the last 12 months and forward to the next 12. It’s a time for reflection and hopefully the eve of new beginnings. The event industry is an exciting place in which to work, but it demands a lot of its members and these expectations can take their toll. We wanted to take a look at some of the ways event industry professionals can take steps towards taking better care of their physical and mental wellbeing throughout 2019, and beyond.
Write a to-do list – every day
Whatever your role is within the events industry, there are always a million and one things to do at any one time. Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks on your event list is an easy way for stress to creep in. Although there’s no getting away from having to complete this list of tasks, there is a simple way to at least feel on top of it. Create a ‘to do’ list at the end of the day comprising everything you want to achieve the next day. You can then at least go home and enjoy your evening without the fear at the back of your mind about what tomorrow might hold.
Learn how to delegate
Are there tasks on your to-do list that are outside of your skill set or job role? A very common cause of an overstuffed to do list is the inability to delegate. Learning how to relinquish control and focus on the core of your job role will free up time, empower your team by showing them you trust them and ultimately, get you better end results at your next event.
Eat healthily, drink lots of water and do some exercise
We all know these three things are important to a healthy mind and body, but making it happen is a whole other story. The secret to creating new habits is to make yourself accountable until your new routine is engraved in your day to day existence. The easiest way to do this is to find someone who also wants to make some changes and make a commitment to each other. Have a water buddy in the office, each fill a jug for the other one every morning and ensure they have finished it by the end of the day. You should also find an exercise friend and sign up to a lunchtime class together and a healthy packed lunch ‘pool’ amongst colleagues.
Meditate daily
Lots of people might well think that meditation isn’t for them, but with the advent of many easy-to-use apps on the market, it really is more accessible than ever. And the benefits of meditation are widely accepted to include a positive effect on people’s mental health. Just 20 minutes a day can make a huge impact.
Sign up to a networking event, or two
Adding something else to a busy schedule might not seem like the best way to de-stress and unwind, but there are some activities which are worth the time commitment. Attending a carefully selected networking event will give you the chance to make contacts that could help advance your career, enjoy some stimulating conversation and hopefully enjoy some tasty food and drinks. Meeting new people can push you out of your comfort zone and provide you with a sense of achievement, too.
Get ahead of the game
You can avoid a lot of stress if you get your key suppliers booked up early. (It might even save you money if you book quite far in advance!) Choosing your venue, for example, often means a lot of other things naturally fall into place. Even if you’re not ready to book, get in touch with your preferred venue to talk to them about dates – it really is never too early. The team at The HAC is always happy to hear from organisers who want to discuss their upcoming events, so don’t hesitate to get in touch on 020 7382 1533.
