You are the one who plans the perfect day and celebrations for others. Your raison d’etre is to focus on the details and make sure everyone and everything is in the right place at the correct time. You have the skills, the creativity, and the passion to pull off the most picture-perfect events around… But every once-in-a-while, you just need to make time for YOU. Clear an afternoon off your calendar, and try these seven self-care activities. To be the best version of your event-planning self, you need to prioritize those moments and efforts that keep your glass full. Get inspired to put yourself at the top of your list this year.
1. Get Lost in Central Park
Take a walk in a new neighborhood. Find a new route through Central Park. Take that left turn instead of the right. Head out of town, and go drive down a country lane with the windows down. You spend your days organizing details and making plans. Try carving an hour out of your day for an unscripted adventure. Embrace uncertainty. Stay curious. And bring your camera and your favorite playlist to enjoy the hour or so you take to disconnect. You never know when (and where) inspiration might strike!
2. Untangle from Your Day-to-Day
You’ve built your career on your ability to think outside the box and handle all the twists and turns that a great event can throw at you. Try slowing down and drawing inside the box for once with meditative drawing techniques like zentangle square tile drawing. Let your mind and your hand wander as you create intricate patterns using lines, dots, s-curves, and orbs. Disengage from the to-do lists of event planning tasks. Delegate enough to give yourself a free hour.
3. Savor the Meal
Are you one of those people who have tons of plates to keep spinning at all times? Is multitasking a way of life for you? Do you grab your meals on the run most days? If so, there is no better self-care than slowing down and cooking yourself a healthy meal from scratch. Savor the slow-food goodness of taking life one ingredient at a time with some of these drool-worthy recipes. If you’re not a superhero chef, focusing on following a recipe is a great way to clear the mind, and the bonus is that you end up with a delicious and nourishing meal.
4. Play Games and Enjoy Yourself
Learn to play chess, that ancient game of strategy and skill. As an event planner who is always thinking three moves ahead, you were made for this game! Also try Sudoku. Like a perfectly executed event, there is nothing more satisfying than placing every Sudoku number in its right spot. You’ll find that directing your strategic thinking in a more playful way is enjoyable and even relaxing.
5. Mix Some Magic for Yourself
Like a true magician, you’re always ready with the quick change to pull the bunny out of the hat. You make magic happen every day for your clients. What seems flawless and natural to them is a lot of behind the scenes work from you to pull it off. Treat yourself to some “me-time” with a hot bath, simple Epsom salts, crystals, candles, your favorite music, and a book. Peace out, world, if just for a magical hour or two.
6. Get Off Your Feet
You spend your event-planning career thinking on your feet and going the extra mile for your clients. Don’t ever feel guilty for putting your feet up for a cozy afternoon snooze. Research shows that a short siesta in the middle of the day can actually give you more energy to attack the rest of your to-do list. And we all know the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. Prioritize your rest.
7. Listen to Yourself and Your Body
Sometimes it’s nice to listen to your own voice. The voice deep down inside telling you to breathe deep and find your flow. Listen carefully. Count to ten. Breathe. You’ve got this. And be mindful of what your body tells you is needed - an afternoon nap, a big salad, a hot bath. Be mindful and you’ll find you’ll stay more in tune with what you need to be and perform your best.
8. Invest in Your Own Growth at The Event Planner Expo
Invest in yourself and your event planning business. Get IN THE ROOM with the most successful brands and pros in the events industry at The Event Planner Expo. It’s an investment into your event planning business and your own professional growth. Join us at The Event Planner Expo, and take your business to new heights! Get your tickets now for the best Expo yet this October!
