5 Benefits of Mindfulness for #EventProfs

Mindfulness, as the Oxford English Dictionary tells us, is “the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.” But what exactly does that mean for event professionals, and why does it matter? 

Event professionals work in a world of chaos where they are expected to be constantly on their ‘A-game’. Usually, this means going into autopilot to accomplish tasks – but not being mindful of how. Think about it; how often does an event professional plan an event while wearing a thousand different hats and accomplishing a thousand different tasks? (Hint: probably every day that we are involved in the world of events!)

The reality is that autopilot is probably how many event professionals meet the high demands set before them. However, researchers finding that on average, people’s minds wander 47% of the time (Tierney, 2010), and mindfulness can help event professionals in a multitude of ways.

1. De-Stress

Research studying mindfulness in the workplace has discovered that being mindful can reduce workplace stress – which is great since workplace stress is a leading factor in event professionals (and all professionals) getting sick. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, stress is the number one health problem in the United States (WHO, Jean-Pierre Brun, 2002).

Thus, enter mindfulness, and the ability to de-stress as an event professional. Whether it’s being more acutely aware of in-the-moment experiences or taking a walk to bring yourself back to a greater understanding of ‘reality,’ simple mindfulness tasks allow event professionals to decompress and de-stress. (A great exercise is taking a walk and being aware of your surroundings – notice, specifically, each and everything you encounter – the sound of leaves crushing below your feet, the concrete of the buildings around you, etc.)

2. Increased Focus

A recent Case Western Reserve University study showed that “Individuals who completed mindfulness training were shown to remain vigilant longer on both visual and listening tasks” (Science Daily, 2016).

What does that mean for event professionals?

Event professionals who can practice mindfulness are better able to focus and listen thus being better suited for tasks that lie ahead of them when planning, executing and providing support or technologies for events.

(Oh, and increased focus from mindfulness comes with better memory retention? Yes please!)

3. Better Sleep

Let’s be honest for a moment: what event professional couldn’t use better sleep? (Sign us up!)

In a randomized clinical study, researchers from Harvard University discovered that overwhelmingly, participants who engaged in mindfulness activities before attempting to sleep, achieved far better sleep results, including more sound REM sleep.

Thus, whether an event professional is snatching four hours of sleep the night before an event or finally able to catch up and get those recommended eight hours of ZzZz’s, mindfulness will help you make the most of your closed eye time.

4. Improved Communication Skills

Communication is one of the most vital components for any professional, in any field or industry, but especially for event professionals. Whether you’re announcing a sale, marketing your product/services, meeting with venues, or any of the plethora of things that event professionals do to ensure successful events, communication is key.

Mindfulness allows event professionals to communicate more effectively and clearly, making every encounter, situation, and the task they have to perform, easier.

5. Superior Performance

Hardworking event professionals are in a field where they can see the results of their dedication and action – successful events! Yet, despite the best-laid plans, things happen – both within our control and out of it.

Mindfulness, in addition to the benefits noted above, leads to superior performance – which means more successful events. By being mindful, event professionals are able to perform at the top of their game.

Conclusion

The crucial point to take away from how mindfulness can help event professionals is that it isn’t meant to be complicated. Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as closing your eyes for a moment and truly ’emptying your mind’. It can be taking a walk and being aware of your surroundings. Mindfulness can be as simple as crafting a specific list, daily, of gratitude.

Mindfulness, though simple in theory, is oft overlooked when it comes to the everyday workplace, especially for event professionals. But a simple practice can lead to great rewards! So, stop and take a moment to breathe, reflect, and take it all in – be mindful in each moment, event professionals!