Christmas may be a distant memory but as event professionals we have already hit the ground running and thinking about our next event. We spend many hours planning for every situation that it can be very easy to forget about our own health. That's why we invited Marya Keegan from Body Honor Coaching to share her insights on managing health and wellness and how doing that successfully, can be much like organising an event!
As an event planner, you’re a master of coordination. You know that every event is like a finely tuned orchestra, where every piece - venue, catering, décor, entertainment, and schedules - needs to work together seamlessly to produce a cohesive easy to understand coming together of people who may or may not know one another. When one element falters, the entire event can feel off. This intricate interplay mirrors how our bodies function as the interconnected elements of every event.
The Domino Effect
Think about what happens when a supplier shows up late, or the AV system suddenly stops working during a keynote speech. Chaos can ripple through the event. Attendees may lose focus, schedules shift, and stress levels rise for everyone involved. In the same way, when one part of the body isn’t functioning properly, it can create a cascade of challenges in other areas. For instance, if the digestive system isn’t processing nutrients efficiently, the energy we rely on to power through the day starts to wane. That, in turn, impacts our brain's ability to focus and think creatively - in the same way a broken microphone can derail a keynote speaker’s impact. Both scenarios remind us that small malfunctions can lead to significant consequences.
Healthy Event, Healthy Body
Just as an event planner can’t overlook the importance of lighting or seating arrangements, we shouldn't ignore the signals our bodies send when something isn’t quite right.
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The Venue
Think of your body as the venue - everything is hosted here. If the venue is not right (e.g., poor physical health), it’s hard to deliver a successful "event" (your daily life). -
The Conference Team
Your immune system acts in the same manner as your conference team. If they are overwhelmed or under-resourced, they can't support / protect your event (your body) from unexpected situations, like illness. -
The Schedule
Just like timing is crucial for event flow, hormonal rhythms and sleep cycles are essential for the body’s optimal functioning. Disrupt either, and the entire system feels out of sync.
Plan, Plan, Plan
As event professionals, we inherently anticipate problems before they arise, creating contingency plans and coordinating backup resources. We don’t wait for things to go wrong — we plan for success. Why not treat your health the same way? By taking a proactive approach, you can keep your body performing at its best, just as you do for every event.
- Plan for Balance:
Schedule time for self-care, exercise, and proper nutrition is like allocating breaks during a packed conference. It ensures sustained energy and peak performance. - Optimise Resources:
Just as you work with trusted suppliers to deliver high-quality events, rely on nutrient-dense foods (for example green leafy vegetables, fish, berries, plain chocolate - yes, really!) and functional health practices to fuel your body. - Adapt to Challenges:
Sometimes, a rainstorm can threaten an outdoors event, so you quickly pivot to Plan B. Similarly, when life throws stress your way, having tools like mindfulness or professional support can help you adapt without losing control.
The Takeaway: Event Planning for Success
An event planner’s ability to see the big picture while managing countless moving parts is a skill worth applying to personal health. Just as a successful event requires every detail to come together in harmony, your health thrives when your body’s systems work cohesively. Neglecting one aspect - whether it’s sleep, nutrition, or stress management - can upset the entire "event" of your life. By prioritising your health as meticulously as you would a major event, you’ll not only feel better but also bring more energy and focus to your work. After all, an event planner with a thriving "system" is the secret ingredient for creating unforgettable experiences!
Further Resources:
- For more tips on improving your overall wellness, schedule a free health review with Marya.
- Research has proven that volunteering is great for improving mental health (NCVO, 2019). Take a look at some of the CSR and volunteering activities Cambridge has to offer - you could incorporate one into your next event!