As an event planner, you are constantly moving, paying attention to the needs and desires of others, and focusing on the happiness of your clients—which is why event planners are at high risk for burnout and stress. As mental health becomes a greater topic of discussion in the event industry, it is important to acknowledge the role that emotions play in mental health.
Emotional Intelligence is the concept of identifying and managing the emotions of yourself and others. When you understand your own emotions, you are better able to navigate the world, allowing your interactions with clients and business partners to thrive. As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Managing your emotions allows you to effectively manage stress and consequently manage your business.
In a recent article for MeetingsNet, RN and coach Cynthia Howard discusses four common emotions that planners deal with on a regular basis. She notes that “the idea that people can squelch their emotions and still function well is a myth. What’s more, research has shown that when you can identify an emotion, you are able to slow your reactions to it and act wisely for work purposes and in a more healthy way for yourself.” Here are the four emotions that cause stress and what they might be telling you:
1. Anger: lets you know that you need to set boundaries.
2. Anxiety: helps you clarify a situation so that you can take action.
3. Sadness: shows you what you value and what you need to let go of.
4. Discouragement: reveals where expectations and reality don’t align, so that you can find your true motivation
When these emotions are left unchecked, we experience physical symptoms like stress, and our emotional health becomes strained and stagnant. By acknowledging your emotions, you can let them go, clearing the way for you to maintain positive relationships with your clients and create memorable events without sacrificing your own health.
Click here for the full article in MeetingsNet.
