When planning an event, you can reduce stress by preparing mentally for it. Planning ahead of time means you can make decisions weeks in advance and develop strategies to handle certain scenarios. However, not all tasks can be completed in advance. You will still need to make some last-minute decisions. Luckily, there are some ways to prepare mentally for an event so you can have a great time.
Prepare mentally for an event
It is important to prepare mentally for an event in order to enjoy it more. If you worry about something, you are likely to lose sleep and waste energy. Even if you are not doing this deliberately, your mind is going to be focused on the event’s potential consequences. This will take energy you could use for training, practice, and recovery.
One way to curb anxiety is to start socializing as soon as you arrive at the event. This will help you feel more comfortable with other people and will relieve last-minute stress. Also, turn your attention outwards and acknowledge things that are happening outside of the event. This will help you turn your focus from your own anxiety to what is going on outside. If you are nervous, try talking to your team members. They can give you a pep talk.
Be yourself at an event
When you’re at a networking event, try to be as yourself as possible. This will help you establish rapport and build relationships with others. Don’t be shy; make eye contact and smile as you approach new people. When you introduce yourself to others, don’t just read off your name tag; use your hand to shake theirs. This will show that you’re friendly and want to chat.
If you can, do your homework beforehand. Research who’s attending the event, what companies they represent, and where they come from. If there’s a news story related to the event, look up the headlines to get an idea of what to expect. Then, be yourself at the event and you’ll get more invitations.
When you’re at an event with a lot of people, try to find a spot where you can make eye contact with everyone. You might have to approach a group, but if you’re on your own, you can simply introduce yourself to someone and strike up a conversation. If you’re nervous about approaching someone, do some research ahead of time. Find out what the industry is like and what trends are happening. You can also ask questions to learn more about their interests.