If you’re an event planner, you know the last few weeks before an event are going to be filled with long hours, last minute changes, and not nearly enough sleep. Although those final weeks are insane, it’s important to take care of yourself to stay healthy. The last thing you want is to show up on-site for the event so worn down that you can barely function. We’ve listed out our go-to tricks for staying healthy and keeping stress down as your event approaches.
Meal prep
Take a day on the weekend to meal prep your lunches for the week. It’s so much easier to eat a healthy lunch if all you have to do is take it out of the fridge. You’ll also be less likely to stress eat an entire bag of chips or order pizza if you know something healthy is already prepared and ready to go.
Stay hydrated
Try getting a Nalgene or reusable bottle that measures your water so you can be sure you’re drinking enough during the day. Have trouble drinking water? Add lemon, strawberries, mint leaves, or other fresh fruit to flavor it without the sugar. If you’re chugging coffee like it’s your job, make yourself drink 16oz of water for every 8oz cup of coffee you have. And of course, stock up on La Croix for when you need some fizzy carbonation! Water is key to staying healthy before and during an event
Give yourself time away from email
We know things get crazy the closer you get to an event. And the few weeks before you’ll pretty much be tied to your laptop. But find time away from your screens to give your brain a break. Even if you have to check in on things later in the evening, be sure you have some dedicated time to go to the gym, walk the dog, or even just veg out with some Netflix. If you give yourself time away from work, you’ll feel more refreshed when you have to jump back in for those late nights.
Schedule gym time
Working out will help you get rid of stress and clear your mind. Of course, you’ll have less free time right before an event, and sometimes the last thing you want to do is a workout. But if you put gym time on your calendar it will help you stay committed. Whether it’s to do some yoga, go on a run, or lift some weights, getting in some physical activity will help with your overall stress.
Try stress relievers throughout the day
In the weeks before the event, your office may start to feel like a pressure cooker. Chances are, issues will start popping up in those final weeks. So find little ways to keep your stress levels down. If you keep yourself calm and collected, you’ll be able to handle stressful situations way better.
Get some of your favorite essential oils and run a diffuser in your office. Shout out to lavender oil which is my personal fav and is known to have relaxing benefits.
Download a meditation app that will remind you to take 5 minute breaks to do some deep breathing and meditation. Headspace is one of the many apps out there that will help you take a deep breath and relax.
Create a calming playlist on Spotify or Apple music. It can be calming music that’ll relax you or just some of your favorite songs that will help put you in a good mood.
And of course, you can always use your ‘Safe Word’ when you need to take a break.
No matter what methods you use, it’s important to stay healthy when work gets crazy. Taking time to focus on yourself will help will prevent any post-event meltdowns and ensure you’re healthy for the event. What do you do to stay healthy before an event?
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