For most people, the holidays mean gatherings and gratitude.
For meeting and event professionals, they can also mean go-time—holiday galas, client celebrations, and year-end events all stacked into the calendar.

That’s exactly why October is the perfect time to plan time for yourself. Before the busy season takes over, look ahead and build in small, intentional breaks that will keep you energized through the rush and ready to start the new year refreshed.

Your Guide to Staying Grounded Through the Holiday

Here are three ways you can create space for yourself in your busy holiday calendar

Small Breaks (30 Minutes to 2 Hours)

Treat these as mini recharges, not luxuries. Block time between site visits or calls to take a walk, stretch, or grab coffee without your phone.
A short reset can make the rest of the day more productive—and much calmer.

A Day Away

Really look at your calendar—between November 1 and December 31, is there a single day that could be protected just for you?
Plan now to move work around that day to make it happen. No meetings. No messages. Just a full day to reset and refocus. Protect it early and commit to it as you would any important event.

Weekend Wellness (or Any Two Days Away)

You don’t need a far-off retreat to restore balance. Even two days can feel like a getaway if you plan ahead.
Look at your upcoming schedule—maybe it’s a quiet Sunday/Monday after a full event week or a staycation at a local spa. Book it, block it, and commit to it.

When Plans Change—Because They Might

Let’s be honest—planners are great at scheduling, but life (and clients) can shift priorities. If your personal time gets sidelined, resist the urge to drop it altogether. Instead, treat rescheduling it like you would any other important deliverable.
You’re already an expert problem solver—apply that same skill to finding your next window for rest.
Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.

Master Tip: Model Balance for Others
When you prioritize rest, you give your team permission to do the same. Encourage colleagues to plan their own downtime, share this article, or check in with one another as the season ramps up.
Your example might be the reminder someone else needs to take their own pause.

Because the best planners don’t just manage time—they protect it.
Start planning your pause now, so you can greet the new year with energy, creativity, and calm.