As destination experts it is our job to stay up-to-date on the news, especially considering the ever-evolving laws around COVID-19 that are so varied from state to state. When our clients come to us as their chosen partner, asking what next steps look like for our city and what solutions we can offer for their next meeting, we must have a deep understanding of the state of our world, particularly our specific destinations. That said, the current news can be very heavy and weigh us down, making it difficult to maintain a positive mental state. For us to take care of our clients and encourage them to view the future of meetings with a positive outlook, we need to take care of ourselves first. Here are some tips from our CSI Boston team to stay informed while maintaining a positive mindset:
- Find a news outlet that’s right for you – Some people are visual learners, some auditory, some hands-on. If visuals are particularly stimulating for you, shift this theory around, and consider avoiding visuals in your news consumption. If negative imagery could be triggering to you, consider turning off the TV and listening to news radio or an informative podcast.
- Schedule your consumption – The news is always there as a 24/7 source, but that doesn’t mean it is healthy to digest this information 24/7. Consider watching your favorite Netflix show or talking a walk before and/or after you choose to consume the news, creating some needed balance. We suggest turning off phone alerts from your news sources to minimize undue anxiety and keep your daily news intake pre-planned.
- Choose your “tribe” – The news can be a lot to absorb on our own, and sometimes it helps to externalize the information and talk it through with a loved one, gaining different views that may not be as gloom and doom as you may be perceiving them to be. Rebecca Ventura, CSI Boston Senior Account Executive, suggests surrounding yourself with people that fill your space with positivity. This can be hard sometimes, and while it’s important to remain a realist, constant negativity is toxic and should be avoided if it is not constructive.
- Take a break from social media – We suggest taking a break from social media when the weight of the world feels like it’s on your shoulders. When you log into Facebook to see photos of your cousin’s new baby or your friend’s new car, you may not be mentally prepared to consume a news feed that is littered with political opinions or COVID-19 related posts, sometimes sparking sudden anger, fear, or sadness. Instead, catch up with those friends and loved ones over the phone or Facetime, which is usually a lot more fulfilling in the long run anyway!
- Know what you can control, and let go of what you can’t – We can’t control the news, but we can control what we do with it. Reading headlines all day long may give you a momentary feeling of being in power, but it’s important to identify when consumption is becoming compulsive. Don’t guilt-trip yourself – if it is best for your mental health to tune out the news for a day, find the perspective of knowing that this brief lapse of information is unlikely to change the inevitable outcome of the world. Cara Pratt, VP of Business Development suggests donating blood or giving time to a cause that you care about. As event professionals, spending time researching ways to engage non-profit organizations into CSR givebacks for virtual events is a great way to make positive change and keep moving forward.
- 6. Prioritize self-care – It may sound cliché at this point, but during these times of self-quarantine and worldwide uncertainty, we must prioritize self-care. Self-care is a great, daily “re-set button”, which will help balance out news intake that can often bring a mental burden with it. Rachel Strauss, CSI Boston Account Executive, suggests taking a break from your usual routine to do something that brings you joy. Experience something new, whether it be a new walking path or a new creative outlet, to help shift your mindset from the current situation. We recommend regular physical activity such as biking, yoga, or meditation to promote a healthy mind and body.
“The news isn’t new. It’s awareness.” – David Hrostoski
Stay aware, stay informed, and most importantly, stay positive!
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