6 workplace health and wellbeing tips for events people

In support of #EventWell18, Nel Flint shares her own tips on keeping happy and healthy when you work in the busy world of events.

It’s a daunting thought that an event co-ordinator’s career has been cited as the fifth most stressful job. With this in mind, I’m proud to support UK Event Wellbeing Week! Launching on 17 September, the week-long initiative encourages us all to take action to transform an industry with a culture of stress. It includes complimentary events with everything from debates and talks, to fitness sessions and mental health workshops.

As part of the campaign to bring the industry together in a proactive approach towards workplace wellbeing, organisers are asking event professionals to make their own Stress Matters Pledge. Last week, I made my first pledge - to sit and eat breakfast with my son each morning, rather than grabbing a coffee on the go.

Furthermore, I’m sharing some of my simple tips that centre on improving your physical and mental health when you work in events:

1. Get involved.

In the spirit of teamwork, NYS’ people across the country are participating in #EventWell18. They’re organising everything from boot camps to yoga sessions - watch out for some of the pictures on Twitter later this week!

2. Take a lunch break.

Eating well and taking a break is essential for ensuring a productive afternoon. Getting up from your desk and going for a brisk walk will release endorphins that will improve your mood and can help to relieve stress. When you’re busy you may be tempted to skip lunch. But even a 15-minute break can keep stress hormones to a minimum.

3. Make a list.

Feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start? Writing things down helps to clear the mind. It also provides you a simple way of prioritising your tasks.

4. Talk to someone.

It can be all too easy to sit and fire off endless emails. Picking up the phone or getting up to find that person on another team, can often be much more effective. Having face-to-face conversations can often solve issues quicker and help to establish a more personal rapport with your colleagues.

5. Challenge yourself.

This may sound counterproductive but setting yourself goals or learning a new skill can build confidence which helps to better manage stress. Even small, daily goals such as getting off the bus a stop early, or cooking a healthy meal, makes us feel like we’ve accomplished something for ourselves during a busy day.

6. Practice gratitude.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love to get people focusing on positives. At the end of a challenging day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They could be as simple a good cup of tea, a chat with a friend and a bubble bath. This really will aid you to put things into perspective.