Mental Health has become a priority

As awareness of mental health has grown in recent years, we have seen people being more open to talking about their struggles with their own mental health. There are many advocates raising awareness of less talked about mental health issues and trying to work together to find better solutions to help those affected.

All different aspects of your life can impact your mental health and it is important to try and identify what you feel is making you down, stressed or anxious.

Mental Health in the Events Industry

Working in the events industry is known for being a high-pressure job where you may work long hours to meet set deadlines, it is so important to check in with yourself every now and then and make sure that you are truly okay.

Research conducted by the Event Marketing Association has shown that the event professional is in the top 5 of the most stressful jobs. It has also shown that 1 in 3 event professionals will suffer a period where they will struggle with their mental well-being, the national average is 1 in 4 and the event professionals only rate their general well-being as 6 out of 10.

Ways we can improve our Mental Health

Let’s have a look at ways you can improve your mental health and make sure you are checking in with yourself…

? Ensure that you have a balanced life 

Working in events may mean that you have to work unsociable hours or you have to travel for work, it’s important to make sure that you still make time for yourself, your family and friends. Life is not all about work, make sure that you remember that work is a part of your life and it doesn’t revolve around it.

? Drink & Eat Well 

When working long hours, especially if you are on your feet all day on site, you need to ensure that you are eating and keeping hydrated. Our brains need a mixture of nutrients to function properly so a diet that’s good for your physical health is one that is good for your mental health.

? Drink sensibly 

At networking events, having a glass or two has become the norm however it is important to remind yourself that alcohol is actually a depressant and it’s not a good way to manage difficult feelings. People often drink to unwind, forget about what’s bothering them or to help them sleep. However, when you wake up the next day and the drink has worn off you’re going to feel worse because of the way the alcohol has affected your brain which may cause more feelings of anxiety. 

? Take a mental break

It is important that you take time out for yourself and a change of scenery always does the trick! Whether that’s a 5 minute walk, going out for lunch instead of having it at your desk or going away for the weekend with your family or friends it is always good to take a step back.

? Keep in touch

Like I mentioned at the start of this article, it is so vital that you don’t lose touch with those you care about because of your work. We all need human interaction! A face to face is even better but if you are unable to do that then pick up your phone and give someone a call for a chat. Who knows they may even need the chat as much as you do?

? Ask for help!

Unfortunately, none of us are superheroes even if we like to think we are sometimes! Everyone needs help from time to time and you should never be embarrassed to ask for it. If things are getting on top of you ask your colleagues, friends or family for help to lighten the load.

? Exercise

Regular exercise can raise your self-esteem as well as help you sleep better and also increases your concentration. Exercise is something that massively helps mental health! I know it can be the last thing you feel like doing when you don’t want to get out of bed but try it! Even if it’s only a short work or a workout in the house, I promise you will start to feel better.

? TALK!

It really is okay not to be okay! Never feel like you have to pretend you’re okay when you are not. Be open about how you are feeling so that those around you can listen. It is common when you are struggling with your mental health to avoid talking about it because you simply don’t know what to say. “What’s wrong?” or “What’s bothering you?” doesn’t always have a straightforward answer because you might not know the answer yourself but even just letting someone know that you are not feeling yourself right now can help. Let people listen and give them a chance to understand and to help you.

Remember always take time to check in on yourself, your friends & your family, you never know who is struggling inside.

How Panoptic Events can help

Here at Panoptic Events, we can create wellbeing events to assist with keeping mental health at bay and to avoid burnout within the work place. 

From incentive travel trips, to creating wellbeing experiences unique to you – Panoptic can assist today. Click here to contact us.