Managing your stress level when it comes to event planning…
I’ve recently completed work on two events that happened to take place on the same day. That wasn’t the original plan, but when you have great clients, you make sacrifices. Both events were very successful (and luckily, one was a luncheon, and one was in the evening), but leading-up to it, I experienced an inordinate amount of stress. Most likely, this kind of double-header won’t happen again, but it got me thinking about how I should manage my stress levels going forward. If I’m experiencing stress, and I’ve been planning events for over 15 years, then I think some smaller non-profits are probably experiencing the same thing. Here are my tips:
1. Plan ahead as much as possible. Even if you think you have a lot of time, you don’t. Get started as early as possible so you have room for last-minute changes closer to the event.
2. Consider hiring a professional to help you. I know I’m tooting my own horn here, but when you hire someone to manage your logistics, it frees you, and your team, up to focus on what’s really important – building relationships with your donors.
3. Take 10-15 minute walks daily. Even if you don’t have time for a serious work-out (and who does, really?) getting some fresh air each day will really help you chill-out for a moment.
4. Take a yoga class. I’m actually going to start a new yoga regimen next week, and I’m so excited to have an outlet and time for myself.
5. Acupuncture – this is a recent discovery for me. I was dealing with sciatica pain, for the first time, leading up to those two events, and I needed relief that medication couldn’t give me. One session made all the difference, and what do you know, the pain was virtually gone once the events were over.
I’ve learned that I need to be proactive about taking care of myself so that I can be the best I can be for my clients. Going forward, having some sort of de-stressing plan in place is going to help me deliver the best results possible to my clients. If the stress is too much, you are doing something wrong. Take a step back and call me for assistance!
XO,
Lisa
