The sense of relief you feel after a meeting is both physical and emotional. Although many planners say they have little time to relax and reflect before moving on to the next event, many have post-meeting rituals. A health expert has warned that not taking a vacation is unwise.
“Your body is designed to repair itself, but stress can put you into fight-or-flight mode, which is not conducive to recovery,” says John Ayo, travel health expert and author of “Travel Wellness.” “
“In this mode, your body directs energy toward fighting or running, sending blood to your muscles and brain instead of to your immune system. Ideally, you need to get more energy from this Take a break from ‘jeopardy’ so your body can recover.
Here are 10 strategies and rituals planners use to restore balance after an event.
1. Two days in OOO
“I put an ‘out of office’ message in my emails and only responded to urgent messages for two days. I believe in recharging and enjoying my me time. Of course, a quick trip to the beach never hurts! ”
Bonnie Greenberg, Purchasing Manager, Molson Coors
2. Replenish moisture
“I always make sure to take in plenty of nutritious food and fluids. Many times we get home and feel sick because of poor conference food (or too many social happy hours). A small reset will help you prepare for Be prepared for your next event.
Samantha Marie, Director of Events and Business Development, OmniEra
3. Fill your nest with feathers
“I arrange for the cleaners to come the day before I go home so I can come home to a nice, clean house. I also take a few minutes to change into new bedding before I leave – laying myself down with clean sheets The bed was the best feeling.
Anna Lingel, event technology manager at streamlineevents
4.Don’t stay
“I never extend my schedule at the meeting location. Instead, I try to take a few days home to relax with my husband, or play golf and have lunch with my girlfriend.
Terri Rickard, Vice President of Meetings and Event Operations, ADI
5. Plan some alone time
“Usually, I just watch TV shows or read but don’t interact socially with friends. I text my family that I’m home safe and they know to leave me alone for 24 hours.
Lisa Coakley, Partner, Paramount Planners
6. Seize the opportunity
“Now that I’m an empty nester, I’ll try to visit a friend after a conference. We just can’t get those opportunities back! For example, my next conference is in Des Moines, and I’ll be heading to Detroit, where I’ll be in East Land Sheen attends the Women’s Football Weekend.
Jill Roth, owner and event architect of Jill Roth Events
7. Take a day to relax
I have a “relaxation day” depending on the location. This could mean going to the pool, beach, spa or just traveling and sightseeing in the city. I believe having a day to relax without interruption is key to rebalancing my mental state.
Shontae White, Senior Manager, Global Event Operations, ACAMS
8. Two days of sleep
“My rituals usually take two days to catch up on sleep. I also unpack as quickly as possible so that I can move on after recharging.
Patrice Melluso, Director of Strategic Meetings, The Avid Network
9. Grounded
“One thing I’ve really come across recently is ‘earthing’ or ‘earthing’. It sounds a little far-fetched, but it’s so important to reconnect with the center of the earth and put your feet on the grass or sand. Take off the blocks that block our contact with the earth. Energy-synthetic shoes allow our body’s energy field to reduce stress and regulate through the connection with the earth.
Deb Gee, co-founder of Tracking Consultants
10. Reduce stress
“The day after the event, I made sure I didn’t feel pressure to get up early or meet any requirements. I didn’t want to go anywhere or do anything right away.
Twyler L. Jenkins, chief strategist and CEO, Strategic Events Solutions
