Event Planning: How to Manage Event Stress

It’s tough to admit, but even those who perform at high levels can suffer from negative stress influences. It's a common experience for event planners or managers to feel chronic stress that arises from the work they do. However, this doesn't imply you have to live in silence.

Some people love to work under pressure because this is what contributes to their success at work. Handling the pressure can become too challenging for some, which makes it difficult to manage. When overwhelmed, be aware that you are in a situation with others who feel the same way.

Don’t worry, in this post, there are techniques designed to minimize stress and maintain a healthy work-life equation. Here you have 10 tips for happy and stress-free event planning!

1. Stay Calm and Focus 

Irrespective of how extensively an event is outlined, there can still be unanticipated challenges. During glitch events, it is essential to stay composed and aware. Some problems can be tackled easily, whereas, others might require more immediate attention. Here’s what you can do: 

• Prioritize: Establish the severity of the glitch and how it can impact the event. Decide whether it poses a small nuisance or a major concern in need of immediate response.

• Be Flexible: Match your strategies to any changes that may arise. An illustration of this is when a scheduled speaker cancels, which could indicate it is better to select an appropriate replacement or modify the program.

• Communicate Proactively: Keep your team informed and your attendees updated about any modifications or delays. The delivery of transparency can decrease stress levels and keep a positive climate.

Be alert to the fact that different types of glitches exist. Major fluctuations can handle smaller issues, while major problems require more thoughtful methods. Maintain your composure while using critical thinking abilities and the knowledge of your team to navigate difficulties and achieve a successful event.

2. Control Your Time and Focus on Top Tasks

Are you overwhelmed by the consistent pressures of event planning? Smart time management has the potential to act as your secret weapon against stress and to enhance productivity. Placing tasks at the forefront and employing time-saving strategies helps reduce your workload and results in a more positive event experience.

Here are some popular time management techniques that can benefit corporate event planners:

• Pomodoro Technique: Do your study for 25 minutes consecutively, but then take quick breaks, so your focus is maintained.

• Eisenhower Matrix: List your tasks down and label these tasks based on their level of urgency and importance to prioritize them as necessary.

• ABC Analysis: Make plans that prioritize important matters and take care of them first.

• Focus Time: Dedicate special time blocks every day for unbroken work on primary tasks.

• Time Blocking: Plan for various activities during specific timeframes, such as working on tasks, attending meetings, and relaxing.

Integrating these methods alongside uncovering which are best suited for your way of working gives you the ability to manage your time better and alleviate stress. Time management is about more than just getting more done; it also means doing the important things at the right time.

3. The Power Behind Cognitive Reframing

Negative thoughts frequently have a substantial influence on our stress and our whole well-being. Cognitive reframing involves tackling and changing unfavourable thought patterns with more motivating and powerful ones. By modifying your mindset, you can decrease stress levels, build resilience, and refine your perspective.

4. Set Boundaries

Making clear separations between professional tasks and your personal life is required to protect against burnout and to live in harmony. You can lower stress and improve your total health by applying boundaries and centring on self-care.

5. Make the Most of Technology

The event planning professionals of today’s digital era can take advantage of technology to streamline their tasks, reduce their stress levels, and improve the event experience for all involved. A host of tools, from venue-finding platforms to task-management software, are available to assist you in saving time, enhancing efficiency, and curbing stress.

6. Do Breathing Exercises  

The method of breathwork is a potent approach to reducing stress and bringing about relaxation. By focusing on your breath, you can relax your mind, slow your pulse, and generally improve your health.

Here's a simple breathing exercise you can practice:

• Find a quiet space: Find a position that makes you comfortable whether sitting or lying down.

• Inhale deeply: Take slow and deep breaths via your nose, filling every nook of your lungs.

• Exhale slowly: Breathe out peacefully through your mouth, letting go of the tension you are carrying in your body.

• Repeat: Hold to this pattern with several minutes of long inhales and exhales.

Practising breathwork as a regular part of your schedule allows you to boost resilience to stress and maintain a calm, focused state of mind during the event planning segment.

7. Unplug

Technology possesses dual qualities. It's great to have the world easily accessible, yet it may also be a serious distraction. Everyone is at fault for habitually checking their phones, which is raising our stress levels significantly.

With so many news, emails, and social media notifications coming up, it's easy to feel overloaded. Being constantly in touch feels more like being never really online. The solution? Unplug. Although it may sound tough, just dedicating 15-20 minutes a day can create a difference.

Try muting your phone and turning off the notifications. You may be amazed at how chill it feels to be unconnected. Have faith, you won't be losing a lot, and you may feel a lot better.

8. Exercise Regularly

Do you want to feel less tense and more spirited? Get moving! No matter, if it's a short walk, a yoga routine, or an exercise session at the gym, practising exercise regularly, is a brilliant way to destress and feel better. Your body and mind definitely will say thank you.

9. Get Enough Sleep

Let's be real: If you're at a low point, you can't envision a great event. Sleep is comparable to fuel for your brain. If you don’t get sufficient sleep, you’re more likely to mess up, feel frustrated, and forget crucial details. Don't overlook the fact that being tired behind the wheel can be nearly just as harmful as drunk driving. The same is true for event planning. Get some shuteye and do yourself a favour. Sleep is much like a magic elixir for your brain and body. Grab some quality rest, and you'll feel revived and prepared to handle your routine every morning.

10. Take the Time to Do Something You Enjoy

When it comes to being an event planner, staying focused on the work can be overwhelming. But keep in mind, it's fine to pause for a little while! Performing the activities you enjoy can help you wind down and prevent burnout.

So, what makes you happy? Is it baking, connecting with loved ones, or taking pleasure in a concert? In any case, take a little while for yourself. This is an awesome way to pump yourself up and head back into your work energized and equipped to conquer the next hurdle.