Ask the CE Team: How Do You Prevent Burnout in a High-Stress Industry?
Ask the CE Team: How Do You Prevent Burnout in a High-Stress Industry?
By: Jesseca Grundt, COLBY WILKENS, ALYSON MORGAN, AND LAUREN PELOQUIN
As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close and we continue through a busy event season, the CE team has been reflecting on the habits, mindsets, and support systems that help us stay grounded. While event planning is often considered one of the more fast-paced industries, the truth is that stress and burnout can affect anyone, regardless of their role or field.
At Corinthian Events, we believe taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your clients, colleagues, and community. Whether it’s setting boundaries, asking for support, stepping away to recharge, or simply finding joy outside of work, small habits can make a meaningful difference over time.
We asked members of the CE team to share how they prioritize their mental health and prevent burnout during busy seasons. While everyone approaches it differently, a few common themes emerged: self-awareness, balance, connection, and giving yourself permission to ask for help.
Jesseca
Be honest about your capacity. Everyone manages their workload differently, and comparing yourself to others will only make you doubt yourself unnecessarily.
Reach out for help when you need it, and don’t feel ashamed to ask for support. Everyone needs help at some point, and that is completely okay. Alternatively, offering a helping hand and showing kindness to your colleagues can go a long way too. Positivity has a ripple effect and can genuinely impact both your mindset and the people around you.
I also try to avoid falling into cycles of complaining or gossiping. It’s easy to focus on the negatives, especially during stressful moments, but that mindset rarely helps you move forward productively or maintain a healthy headspace.
Colby
It’s crucial to be able to recognize when you need a break and give yourself a moment to breathe, even if it’s something small. Sometimes stepping away from your desk, taking a quick walk, or getting outside for fresh air can help you reset.
I also think one of the most important things you can do is communicate when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It can be unnerving to admit that you need support, but I do think that is always the first step to improving your mental health.
I also try to pause and look at everything holistically and see the full picture of what needs to be done. Starting with smaller, manageable items helps build momentum and makes the larger workload feel less daunting.
And although it’s easier said than done, taking real time off is incredibly important. Everything can feel urgent in this industry, and we never want to leave our team hanging while we are away, but the only way to truly reset is to take time away and enjoy being in the moment with friends and family.
I also think it’s valuable to build relationships with your colleagues outside of work conversations. Getting to know each other as people creates stronger support systems and makes it easier to lean on one another when things get stressful.
Alyson
Usually, if I’m feeling stressed during the workday, I love stepping away for a walk or grabbing a coffee or treat with a coworker. Sometimes stepping away for half an hour and talking through what’s stressful, or talking about anything but work, really helps.
It is also important to take advantage of the flexibility we have within our jobs. Make your day work for you! If you want to take a 4:30 PM workout class, start your day at 8:30 AM to make it happen while still getting all your work done.
On-site, a huge part of our job is planning ahead for every type of scenario so we can minimize stressful moments as much as possible. We consider all the things that could go wrong and make a plan for them beforehand, so we can easily pivot if needed. And having a colleague there for support, whether in person or just a quick phone call, makes a huge difference during stressful moments. Sometimes you just need to talk something through and realize it’s all going to be okay.
One thing that has also helped me recently is turning off Teams and Outlook notifications on my phone. I can still check messages when needed, but my phone isn’t constantly buzzing after work. Then I go home, decompress, and catch up on whatever city of Real Housewives is currently airing.
Lauren
Ask for help. You are not meant to do everything alone, and life feels lighter when you allow others to support you. None of the experiences we create happen because of one person, they happen because of a team.
Burnout can happen when you give so much of yourself to others that there is little left for yourself. Take your PTO, leave your computer behind, and create intentional time to recharge. Spending quality time with friends and family, or simply doing something relaxing for yourself, can make a huge difference. Personally, I love a spa day!
And if you do start to feel burned out, find something outside of work that genuinely brings you joy. Even small hobbies can help reconnect you with yourself and bring back your spark. Recently, I started making friendship bracelets again, something I loved doing as a kid.
Also, don’t forget the power of positive thinking. Reflecting on something that brought you joy during the day, or simply naming one thing you’re grateful for, can help shift your mindset. I’m still working on this myself, but trying is already a step in the right direction!
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing burnout, but these reflections are a reminder that small habits, strong support systems, and intentional time to recharge can make a meaningful difference. No matter your industry, taking care of yourself helps you show up better for the people and work that matter most.
