Top 10 Tips for Event Professionals to Stay Active and Boost Mental Health Between Events

Event professionals lead dynamic, fast-paced lives, often juggling multiple responsibilities and deadlines.

In the midst of managing our events, it’s essential we prioritise self-care and physical activity to support our mental wellbeing.

We also know how physically active and hands on working on an event can be (anyone who’s ever counted the number of steps they’ve banked on an event day can vouch for that), but what about in between the events?

Here are ten tips to help us event professionals stay active and boost our mental health during downtime between events:

1. Schedule Regular Breaks:

Block out time in your schedule for short movement breaks throughout the day. Set a timer to remind yourself to stretch, walk around, or do a quick exercise routine to break up periods of sedentary work.

2. Create a Flexible Fitness Routine:

Develop a fitness routine that fits your busy schedule and can be easily adapted to different environments. Choose activities that you enjoy and can do anywhere, such as bodyweight exercises, yoga, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

3. Set Realistic Goals:

Establish achievable fitness goals that align with your lifestyle and commitments. Whether it’s aiming to exercise for a certain number of minutes each day or completing a specific workout program, setting realistic goals helps to maintain motivation and consistency.

4. Incorporate Movement into Daily Tasks:

Look for opportunities to incorporate movement into your daily tasks and routines. Take the stairs instead of the lift, walk or bike to nearby destinations, hop off the bus a stop early, or do housework like cleaning or gardening to stay active.

5. Get Outside:

Take advantage of the outdoors to get moving and boost your mood. Go for a walk or jog in the park, hike on nearby trails, or simply spend time outdoors soaking up the sunshine and fresh air.

6. Join a Fitness Class or Group:

Sign up for a fitness class or group exercise program to stay motivated and accountable. Whether it’s a yoga class, dance workout, or boot camp, participating in group fitness activities provides social support and encouragement.

7. Prioritise Sleep and Recovery:

Ensure you’re getting enough rest and prioritise recovery between workouts. Adequate sleep is essential for mental health and overall wellbeing, helping to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function.

8. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management:

Incorporate mindfulness and stress management techniques into your daily routine to promote mental resilience and wellbeing. Try practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress and enhance relaxation.

9. Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Foods:

Fuel your body with nourishing foods and stay hydrated throughout the day. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides essential nutrients to support physical and mental health.

10. Find Balance and Listen to Your Body:

Remember to prioritise balance and listen to your body’s signals. It’s okay to take rest days when needed and adjust your activity level based on how you’re feeling. Pay attention to signs of burnout or stress and make self-care a priority.

By incorporating these ten tips into your routine, event professionals can stay active, prioritise mental health, and maintain overall wellbeing between events. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally not only enhances your performance at work but also ensures that you can continue to thrive in your career and personal life.

The 13th to the 19th May marks Mental Health Awareness Week, with the 2024 theme Movement: moving more for your mental health, for more information visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week