Here's how you can enhance your daily routine as a Live Events professional with mindfulness practices.

When we launch an event project, one of the questions we ask is what will be the real win for this event? We even go so far to ask what it will take for them to wipe tears from their eyes, and want to name their children after us. It sounds funny, but when you get to the root of what is stirring in the soul of your client and what really needs to happen to make this event successful, this becomes the compass that you carry in your heart with every artistic decision, technical decision, crew decision, casting decision, design decision and more. Having a powerful compass that you hold up for your team and your client is one of the most important mindful behaviors of great event leaders.

Morning Ritual: Wake up 30 minutes earlier than normal, and step outside in the summer time to take advantage of the morning light. Breathe in the air, look up at the sky, let the sun shine on your face. Leave your phone inside, then return for coffee and emails once you have greeted the day.

Start the day in a calm and peaceful frame of mind Take this time to run through the day in your head Take this time to review all your plan Bs,Cs, Ds etc Create a last minute checks & balances listing Prepare in your mind the morning 'Tool Box' chat with the Team Then, eat light, max your hydration, take a Double Espresso and prepare to win.

I love to start my mornings with meditation, affirmations & intention setting for the day. It’s always when I stray too far from this routine that I begin to feel overwhelmed in the midst of the organised chaos event management brings. My constant focus is to remain in a ‘resourceful state’. I’m still learning to recognise (or should I say, listen to myself when I have recognised) that I am no longer in a resourceful state. To achieve this, taking time for myself is key. Not just in the mornings, but also by forcing myself to switch off and take some time to do something that I enjoy which is just for me. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking you are too busy for moments like this, but, in reality those are the time you need it most!

Perhaps most critical to every day, is to appreciate the magnitude of what it is we are being asked to do... whether on site or preparing an event months or years ahead. The safety & welfare of every guest, staff and crew member relies on our awareness and thoughtful design & spacial considerations to get them in and out as planned. On-site, every crew member during a build must be reminded that the tools we use (both large and small), while critical to our work and job sites, are also inherently dangerous. Are the right people, with the right training, with the right tools doing the job? Life safety - first/last/always.

Always have a checklist for your day ahead. This will help remind you of key aspects of your day and improve productivity. As always with events, remember that most things don’t go according to plan! Roll with the punches and let it be “water off of a ducks back”

As a live events professional, mindful planning has transformed my workflow. 🗂 Prioritize with Purpose: Every morning, I use the Eisenhower Matrix to sort my tasks. This helps me focus on what’s urgent and important, ensuring I handle top priorities first. 📅 Daily Example: Today, my main focus is finalizing a corporate event. I prioritize tasks like confirming vendor details and conducting final walkthroughs. I also schedule team check-ins to ensure alignment and address potential issues early. This mindful approach keeps me organized, reduces stress, and boosts productivity. If you want a more efficient and balanced day, give mindful planning a try.

🧘♂️ Mindful Breathing: Throughout the day, I take short breaks to practice deep breathing exercises. This helps reduce stress and clear my mind. 🚶♀️ Physical Activity: I incorporate light stretching or a quick walk into my breaks. Moving my body helps release tension and refreshes my focus. Daily Example: Amidst finalizing details for an upcoming event, I take a five-minute break every hour. A few deep breaths and a stretch keep me energized and focused, preventing burnout. These balanced breaks are crucial for staying sharp and effective. If you're looking to boost your productivity and maintain your well-being, try incorporating mindful breaks into your routine.

In a corporate setting, a saying that embodies mindful communication might be: “Listen to understand, not to respond.” This emphasizes the importance of truly hearing and comprehending what others are saying, rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak. It fosters a culture of respect, empathy, and effective collaboration.

During team meetings and client calls, I practice active listening and thoughtful responses. Today, while discussing final details for an event with a client, I listened carefully to their concerns and addressed them with a clear, calm approach. This not only resolved issues quickly but also strengthened our relationship. Mindful communication fosters better relationships and ensures smoother event planning. If you want to enhance your interactions, give mindful communication a try.

Amidst a hectic event day, I take a few minutes for deep breathing exercises and a quick walk around the venue. This keeps my stress levels in check and allows me to handle unexpected challenges with a clear mind. Effective stress management techniques keep me balanced and productive. If you're looking to improve your stress levels and overall well-being, try integrating these practices into your daily routine.

After a busy day of coordinating a major event, I take five minutes to reflect. I consider the successful execution of the event and identify areas for improvement. Writing these thoughts down helps me gain perspective and prepare better for future events. Reflective pauses allow me to end my day with clarity and purpose. If you want to enhance your decision-making and personal growth, try incorporating reflective pauses into your routine.