Healthy Habits for Event Pros

In the fast-paced world of event planning and management, it’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of deadlines, long hours, and high-pressure situations. But amidst all the chaos, it's crucial to prioritize your health and well-being.

Let’s be honest — as event pros, we’re great at taking care of our clients. Unfortunately, that careful attention doesn’t always spill over into our personal lives.

So if you're looking to enhance your well-being and boost your professional performance, take a look at some key self-care habits to build as a busy event pro.

Put yourself first
Letting your clients come first 24/7 puts you on a direct path to burnout and exhaustion. And ultimately, you might end up waving a white flag because your current habits are unsustainable. That’s why putting yourself first (at least some of the time!) is vital.

Your clients will notice if you’re exhausted, and you cannot put your best self forward unless you prioritize self-care. Create a list of things you love to do and put time on your calendar for them. Then, make it a goal to commit time to those hobbies so you don’t spiral into burnout.

Drink more water
Don’t have an emotional support water bottle? It’s time to get one! Aim for at least 64 ounces of water daily — especially on busy event days. The difference between a hydrated you and a dehydrated you is immense, and you want to ensure you can keep up with the pace when trying to impress your clients.

Meditate
Meditation has many benefits, and all you need to reap them is 5 minutes. Try not to roll your eyes — it’s science! Download the Peloton or Calm app, find a quiet space, and focus on your breathing. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel when you take intentional time to destress.

Prioritize sleep
“Sleep? As an event pro? What’s that?” You’re not alone if healthy sleep hygiene is still a work in progress (and that’s okay). If you only get six hours a night, try working up to seven. Then, set your sights on eight. Look at your schedule and identify what takes up most of your time and cuts into your sleep. Do you need to outsource something? Be honest with yourself so you can make rest a priority.

Shower
There’s nothing like a refreshing shower to get out of a funk! If you find yourself lacking motivation, take a self-care break and hop in the shower. Turn on some music, relax, and return to your work feeling more focused. It works every time. Bonus points if you add on your skincare routine afterward!

Find the right support system
One of the best ways to cultivate healthy habits is by practicing them alongside people you trust. Talk to other wedding and event pros and see if someone is looking for an accountability partner. You can use the Habit Share app to monitor your progress and stay motivated. It’s much easier to achieve your goals when you’re not trying to reach them alone!

Write it all down
Still haven’t tried journaling? Now’s the time to start. Grab an old notebook and write it all down. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about getting all of your thoughts out on paper. Save it, tear it out, burn it — it’s up to you, but know that journaling can be a powerful way to recharge.

Stack your habits
If you want to ensure your habits stick around for the long haul, try habit stacking. Take something you unconsciously do (like brushing your teeth) and stack it on top of a new habit.

For example, you always brush your teeth at night, but you’re trying to get in the habit of taking vitamins before bed. With habit stacking, you’d put your vitamins next to your toothpaste, so these two habits eventually form into one unforgettable sequence.

Remember: Your health and well-being are crucial for personal satisfaction and professional success. By implementing healthy habits, you invest in yourself and create a solid foundation for long-term growth and fulfillment. The event industry can be demanding, but with the right mindset and practices, you can navigate it with grace and resilience!

Renée Dalo is the owner and lead planner of Moxie Bright Events, a boutique wedding planning company based out of LA. With over 12 years of experience under her belt, Renée turned her knowledge towards the advancement of the industry as a whole with her self-guided Wedding Management e-course and her popular B2B podcast, Talk With Renée Dalo. Renée is a fan favorite on the speaker circuit, taking the stage at national and international conferences across the country, including Alt Summit, Wedding MBA, and Creative at Heart, among others.