Event organizers face sometimes face a post-event slump in their feelings especially if the event did not turn out as expected, but even when things do turn out great it is often the case that after the exciting hustle and bustle of organizing an event, organizers sometimes feel anxious about their next project or are just generally down in spirits because the ride is over. Here are some tips on how to combat post-event depression.
Often during the course of planning an event you fall into a routine. The longer the planning phase of the event the more you settle into this routine and the more likely it is that will have an effect on your life after the event. The fast paced, high demanding lifestyle that gets increasingly intense towards the last days of the event comes to a sudden stop, and even though your client and colleagues are happy with you, your life suddenly feels empty.
Believe it or not, there is actually a condition called Post Project Depression and it is apparently common in people with jobs that require them to work in short to mid-term projects that come to an end. As is often the case with an adrenaline pumping activity, a low feeling ensues after an adrenaline high. What is actually happening is that there is a corresponding loss of a sense of purpose.
Another aspect of PPD is sometimes the end to relationships formed and bonds made with people along the completion of a project which intensifies the longer you work with these people. The feeling of comradely is particularly pleasing to most humans and will naturally be missed when it comes to an end even though you promised to stay in touch on facebook.
 So how do you get over the slump?
#1. Get back to being yourself
That’s the main idea, but before you do bring back lessons learnt and go over the new and exciting possibilities that are now possible with people you have met along the way, this could be on a professional or social level, and re-organize your life, get errands you have put on the back burner done, read that book you did not have time to read or watch that movie.
#2. Take a Break
Take days off, on which you DO NOT DO ANY WORK. Sleep in, have some ice cream or whatever comfort food that comforts you, and just relax. It is important you take time off to rest your body, mind and spirit before you get back to work. Going into the mix of things without saving time to process this change in your routine may leave you being at one place but your mind is constantly on rewind of the “good ol times†you had, leaving you inefficient and unproductive.
#3. Treat yourself.
It is time to wear those new clothes, or shoes or hat, take the car for a spin, go to watch a ball game, now is the time to do whatever it takes for you to feel good about yourself, and why not! You deserve it after working so hard, now is not the time to sit around and mope!
#4. Reconnect with Family
At the end of the day, they remind you that you are not really alone which is exactly what you need to know at this point. Connecting with family after the completion of an event puts things into perspective. People and projects come and go, but your family will always be there when you need them. Such as when you have PPD!