3 minute read
EDITOR’S COMMENT
Press pause: take timeout to avoid burnout
October is mental health awareness month, and quite frankly, it is something we all need to keep top-of-mind. What is your current mental health state?
We live in a very demanding world, and our industry is exceptionally demanding.
Stop! Take time to connect with your team members, your clients, and your suppliers, and do regular ‘check-ins’ to see how people are feeling.
Burnout is real.
I was sad to hear of the passing of two industry members, who took their own lives. This got me thinking.
During Covid we spoke a lot about how we were feeling – perhaps it was due to all of us being at home – trying to find our paths in the uncertain world we found ourselves in.
Many days were filled with webinars and social online networking.
Then the pandemic ended, and we all returned to the fast-paced world of the business events sector. We anticipated a return to normalcy. However, we were all profoundly affected by the pandemic and emerged changed.
I can only speak from my own experience. At the first in-person events I attended, I had to give myself little pep talks before I left the car, and it sometimes included breathing exercises I had learnt to do during the pandemic. My anxiety levels were off the charts, but I got out of the car and I did the best I could.
Slowly, I overcame the panic I was feeling about attending events.
I am definitely not the same person I was before the pandemic, but gradually, I’m beginning to feel like my old self again.
Thankfully, I have a very supportive family, and I couldn’t have done it without them.
Here is the thing: we are all different and not everyone has a support system in place. Take time to find out how the people you work with are feeling.
I have said this before, and I will keep saying this, it doesn’t cost a thing to be kind to people.
Always be kind. You don’t know what other people are going through and what state of mind they are in.
Today, before you leave your office or your event, ask one person how they are really feeling. Don’t do the courteous, how are you? But take the time to really ask someone how they are feeling. You will probably be surprised.
You might make all the difference in their lives by asking.
If you aren’t in a good place, talk to someone about it, don’t keep it bottled up. You are not alone.
We are about to go into the silly season. Take some time for yourself when you need it. Work can wait!
So, if you are feeling overwhelmed. Please stop and ask for help.
Irene
Email: gomesi@iafrica.com
