Ken Kelling, founder of
Sense of Purpose Coaching,
shares advice on how to keep a
healthy mind while working at
home and dealing with the
Covid-19 crisis
he pressure on our mental
health as eventprofs has
never been greater. We face
very real threats from
possible ill-health for ourselves and
our loved ones, loss of earnings,
having to adapt to working at home,
and the rapid reconfiguring of our
business models.
But there is also so much to be
proud of in the way our confidence
and resilience has held firm and how
the industry has responded with
mental health-focused helplines,
articles, events and webinars.
Even if you’re working at home,
there’s plenty you can do to stay
mentally well, alert and engaged
with everything around you.
Staying focused and disciplined
From getting dressed at your usual
STAYING
HEAD
STRONG
Mental Health
Eating well
and nutritiously
as well as exercising, mindfulness or
the burgeoning online yoga trend will
all help. There are now masses of
at-home exercise classes to get
involved with online. Make the most
of them.
Communities
As well as family and friends, getting
involved in local community groups
and online communities can be a
fantastic source of positive energy.
We have seen inspirational
initiatives from eventprofs getting
together to do good, support the
NHS and stay active. Get involved
with others as much as you can.
Celebrating our industry
It is a great time to shout about the
value of our industry to the economy.
But also to show what we can do as
eventprofs through campaigns like
NHS #lightitblue. Back the
campaigns to let government know
that the events industry is an
essential part of the economy.
Being purposeful
From signing up as a volunteer to
spontaneously calling a friend,
neighbour or family member, it is
important to take action that puts
others first. We feel better about
ourselves in serving others. It is part
of human nature.
work time to establishing a routine, a
schedule and a dedicated
workspace, there is much you can
do to avoid sliding into Netflix binge
watching. Staying focused and
disciplined about work, even if home
is now your office, is essential.
Human connection
It is important to maintain
conversations and contact. It is a big
part of our working life – building
relationships and trust – we can’t let
them slide. So many of us have now
established Friday Zoom drinks or
other online socials. Make sure you
are a part of the informal as well as
the formal meetings.
27
Below: Ken
Kelling, founder of
Sense of Purpose
Coaching
Staying well
Our physiology inevitably ties our
mental and physical health together.
www.conference-news.co.uk
Investing in the future
Those who are thriving in the current
context are already thinking
positively about the future. If you
have the time, it can really help
your mental health to keep learning,
to master a skill or invest in your
own professional development. It
could well serve you powerfully in
the long run.
There is huge stress and pressure
on all of us. But there is also
resilience, determination and
camaraderie. We are a naturally
sociable and positive workforce.
Let’s look after ourselves and others
so we are individually and
collectively stronger on the other
side.