020: Stay Healthy

This week is the annual Folk Alliance International Conference and I’m sure many of you are heading there for the event. For those of you who haven’t been - it can seem overwhelming. For those who have been, it can still seem overwhelming. I used to try to do everything when I was at a conference. Running from place to place, taking in as much as possible, staying up late and getting up early. By the end of the weekend I would be burnt out and would need a few days to recover. It also left me feeling like I had missed out on a lot, not because I didn’t see everything - but because I was always looking ahead to the next thing, not taking in what I was doing at the time. In the past few years I’ve taken on a new approach when I attend a conference. These are some things I’ve found that help me get the most out of the experience. 

Food

It’s very easy to eat unhealthy when you are on the road. But it can be just as easy to make some healthy choices. When you make it to the hotel find a nearby grocery store and go pick up some healthy food. Even if you don’t have a fridge or a microwave in your room you can pick up some real food to eat during the conference. Fruit, vegetables, healthy snacks. Many hotels will provide you with a microwave or a kettle if you ask. Call the front desk and get some plates, bowls and cutlery. Having these things in your room makes it easier to make healthy choices. Plus you can end up saving some money doing things this way. It beats the $22 burger at the hotel bar.

Exercise

Find some time to exercise each day. Go to the hotel gym and hop on a bike or a treadmill. Go for a walk, do yoga. Or a swim if the hotel has a pool. Anything to get your body moving. It will also help you clear your mind so you're ready for the day. I often do this in the afternoon. Conference days can be long and having a break in the middle can be very beneficial. It allows you take in what you did in the morning and get ready for the night.

Get Outside

It’s very easy to spend the entire conference in the hotel. You realize after a few days you haven’t been outside! Make a point to leave the hotel each day and get out for some fresh air. Have someone you need to meet with? Instead of a coffee in the lobby, maybe make it a walking meeting. It’ll get you away from all the noise and allow you to focus better.

Routines

We all have routines that help us get through the days. This is easier when you’re at home, but try to bring some of these on the road with you. Reading, yoga, meditation, journalling - you may not be able to do them all, but make time for some of these during your day. 

You Can’t Do Everything

Once you realize you can’t do everything, you’ll be able to slow down a bit and focus on what you can do. Pick the things that are important and make the time to attend them. Don’t worry about what you might be missing while you’re there, be present. It’s easy to keep busy at these conferences, running from place to place. But that is how you end up feeling rushed and like you didn’t enjoy anything. 

It can cost a lot to attend a conference, so you want to make the most of it. I’ve found that since I started doing these things I’ve been getting more out of the events I attend, I feel less burnt out after and I feel like I made better connections overall. Slow down and enjoy your time!

-Steve