Event Life Balance

Achieving the Elusive

By Katrina McDowell on May 21, 2024 in Events

As we enter the bustling event season, many will attend multiple events and conferences this spring. It’s crucial not to let the whirlwind of activity disrupt the work-life balance. Let’s explore some key reminders on maintaining a balanced life, allowing positivity to flow naturally rather than being forced.

Work-life integration, a concept that emphasizes blending professional responsibilities with personal interests and well-being, can be a powerful tool during the event season. It’s not about juggling but about finding a harmonious balance. Explore strategies that promote this harmony, such as flexible scheduling to accommodate personal commitments. Remote and compressed workweeks are particularly beneficial during the event season, especially for event planners. There are several apps to streamline activities and stay on track for event managers and planners, such as Eventbrite and Asana.

Practice some time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro technique. This technique was developed in the late 1980s by university student Francesco Cirillo, who struggled to focus on his studies. Feeling overwhelmed, he asked himself to commit to ten minutes of focused study time. Encouraged by the challenge, he found a tomato (pomodoro in Italian) shaped kitchen timer and founded the Pomodoro technique. Cirillo wrote a book about the method, but its most significant strength is simplicity. There might be minimal places to recharge at conferences, but many now incorporate designated workstations. Using your smartphone or watch, set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on the most important task until the timer goes off. When the session ends, mark off one Pomodoro and record what was completed. Enjoy a five-minute break, do some deep breathing or stretches, then continue the rest of the event activities.

Schedule regular breaks. Recharge during events and create designated “unplugged” times to disconnect from work and enjoy a leisure activity. Get outside for some fresh air. Looking at nature will improve focus and have a therapeutic effect on the mind, ensuring a solid finish to the day. If attending an expo, see what it offers and grab some free swag! A tennis ball or frisbee is a perfect gift to bring back to Snoopy after being gone for a few days.

Set clear boundaries. Setting boundaries is one of the most important ways to maintain work-life balance during the event season. Communicate expectations with clients and colleagues about response times, availability outside regular hours, and project scope. This shows them that your time and well-being are valuable. Effective communication, negotiating realistic deadlines, and delegating tasks are all key to preventing burnout and ensuring a balanced life during this busy season. Remember, being assertive but not aggressive is the key, as many will be just as stressed during events.

Embrace an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude practices such as journaling about daily wins or expressing appreciation to colleagues can contribute to a more fulfilling work experience. Sometimes, it’s hard to be positive when running around an unknown city and attending multiple daily seminars, dinners at night and after-parties. Make a list of positive affirmations so that when a negative thought enters, recite the affirmations to get back on track. Create strings of gratitude out of knotted chaos and watch how the magic unfolds throughout the day. Trust and believe in the process and be open to receiving more. Networking is crucial at conferences! Nobody wants to network with someone with a sour attitude. Kindness goes a long way, and maintaining self-love is vital to staying upbeat. Visualize the intentions you set for the event and stay focused.

Remember to celebrate big and small successes—they can be incredibly motivating. Acknowledging achievements fosters a positive work environment and boosts team morale. Win, win!