Time to Chill: Planners’ Post-Meeting Rituals

The sense of relief after running a meeting is both physical and emotional. Though many planners say they have little or no time to relax and reflect before moving on to the next event, many have post-meeting rituals. One health expert warns that not taking time off is not wise.

“Your body is designed to be self-healing, but stress puts you into fight or flight mode, which is not conducive to healing,” said John Ayo, travel wellness expert and author of “Travel Wellness.”

“In this mode, your body is directing your energy toward fighting or running, sending blood to your muscles and brain rather than to your immune system. Ideally, you need some rest from this ‘danger’ so that your body can recover.”

Following are 10 planners’ strategies and rituals for returning to balance after an event.

1. Two Days of OOO

“I put an ‘Out-of-Office’ message on my email and only respond to urgent messages for two days. I believe in recharging and taking my personal time. Of course, a quick trip to the beach doesn’t hurt either!”

Bonnie Greenberg, sourcing manager, Molson Coors

2. Rehydrate  

“I always make sure I consume a good amount of nutritious food and replenishing liquids. It’s too often we come back home and are not feeling well because of the poor conference food (or too many networking happy hours). Having a small reset will help you prepare for the next event.”

Samantha Marie, director of events & business development, OmniEra 

3. Feather Your Nest

“I arrange for cleaners to come the day before I get home so I return to a nice, clean house. I also take a few minutes before I leave to put on fresh bedding — getting into your own bed with clean sheets is the best feeling.”

Anna Lingel, event technology manager, streamlinevents

4. Don’t Stick Around

“I never extend my trip in the location where the meeting took place. Instead, I try to take a couple of days and head home to nest with my husband or play golf and do lunch with my girlfriends.”

Terri Rickard, vice president of operations, ADI Meetings and Events

5. Plan Some Alone Time

“Usually, I just watch a TV show or read — but no social interactions with friends. I text my family that I am home safe, and they know to leave me alone for 24 hours.”

Lisa Coakley, partner, Paramount Planners

6. Seize the Opportunity

“Now that I’m an empty nester, I try to tie in a visit with a friend after my meetings. We just cannot get these opportunities back! For example, my next meeting is in Des Moines, and I am traveling to Detroit to have a girls’ football weekend in East Lansing.”

Jill Roth, owner & event architect, Jill Roth Events

7. One Day to Relax 

I have an ‘unwind day,’ depending on the location. It could mean going to the pool, beach, spa or just traveling and sightseeing in the city. I believe having a day to relax without being bothered is key to rebalancing my mental state.”

Shontae White, senior manager, global event operations, ACAMS

8. Two Days of Sleep

“My ritual is usually taking two days to catch up on sleep. I also try to unpack as soon as I can so that I move forward with the future once I have recharged.”

Patrice Melluso, strategic meeting director, The Avid Network

9. Ground Yourself

“One of the things I’m really really getting in touch with lately is ‘earthing’ or ‘grounding.’ It sounds a little bit out there, but it is so important to reconnect with the earth core and put your feet in the grass or on the sand. Removing our synthetic shoes, which block us from the earth’s energy, allows our bodies’ energy fields to decompress and regulate by connecting with the earth.”

Deb Gee, co-founder, trace consultancy

10. Take the Pressure Off

“The day after my event, I make sure I have no pressure to get up early or meet any demands. I don’t want to have to be anywhere or do anything immediately.”

Twyler L. Jenkins, chief strategist & CEO, Strategic Events Solutions