This week is a guest post containing the most useful tips for getting the proper rest before a significant happening, written by Will Taylor, Event Planner.
How to Ensure a Good Night’s Sleep before a Big Event
There’s just one day left until your philanthropic gala, and you still feel like there are a thousand things to be done. But worrying will only make you lose sleep, which is the worst that could happen: instead of being relaxed and able to hold a fantastic event, you’ll feel tired, irritated and without energy.
Most event organizers suffer from sleep deprivation before an event, but as one who has gone through this more than once, I confess that choosing work over sleep is the worst decision. Rest is the best way to fuel you up for the big event, so make sure you get plenty of it. I have just the right tips for how you could achieve that:
Free your evening
The day before the event, set an hour, in the early evening, when everything stops: phone calls, last-minute checking, rearrangements, discussions, etc. Turn off your laptop and your cell phone and try to spend the evening doing stress-free activities, such as light exercising, taking a long walk, going for a swim or getting a massage – in fact, this is an excellent method of relieving stress and unwinding your brain and body.
Back yourself up
Instead of worrying about all those details you think still need adjustments, try this: choose the best time to wake up in the morning. Not too early, if you’re close to where your gala will take place, but not too late if you have to travel a longer distance and you don’t want to get stuck in traffic. Once you set your alarm clock, don’t change it! Consider the old saying: “Sleep it off” – one good night rest will help you see things clearly in the morning. Also, have everything you want to wear ready before going to bed. That way, you won’t feel pressure in the morning.
Keep the bedroom cool and dark
Taking a hot, relaxing bath or shower before going to bed may be a good idea, but keep in mind that it will heat up your body and you won’t enjoy a proper sleep. So cool down your bedroom or use smart technology to ensure the right temperature for a peaceful rest. As Try Mattress describes, there are mattress toppers nowadays capable of cooling the bed and maintaining the ideal temperature for a good night rest. Also, turn off all artificial lights and electronic devices – including your smartphone!
Avoid stimulators and heavy meals
Don’t turn to coffee, alcohol or energizing drinks the evening before your big event! They just disrupt your natural repose cycle, the same as sleeping pills, which are in fact another lousy idea before an important day. Heavy meals will only burden your digestive system, but not eating because you’re too nervous is not an option either. Both situations will lead to poor sleep. So eat lightly, at least one hour before going to bed and don’t take food to bed with you.
Let go of all your worries
Stop thinking of those things that could go wrong the next day! They’re only in your head and not letting go of them will hurt your rest. I know, you’re a perfectionist and you want everything to be flawless, but worrying instead of sleeping won’t help you at all. Trust your instincts: get the necessary rest for your brain and body, and you’ll be at your best for the big event! Breathing techniques may be your first-class ally when trying to relax before sleeping – I use them all the time, and the results present themselves in a matter of minutes.
