Event planning is a stressful job – we don’t need to tell you that. Event planners, organizers, and coordinators juggle a number of jobs on a daily basis, from managing budgets to choosing menu items for a gala. Backing what those in the industry already know, event coordinator landed on CareerCast’s most stressful jobs in the U.S. list for the 6th year in a row. While event planning is stressful by nature and comes with unavoidable challenges, we’re happy to share a few things you can do to de-stress while on the job. Check out our tips so you can get back to enjoying the things you love about event planning.

Organize your work and space

Organization plays a major role in planning event, but if your workspace is cluttered or you don’t maintain structure in your processes – you’re setting yourself up for unnecessary stress.  Here are a few organization tips to keep you at the top of your game:

• Declutter your desk. Organization starts with your surroundings. File those papers, get rid of useless knick-knacks, and you’ll feel instantly lighter and more focused.
• Tackle your to-do list. We all have those lingering items on our to-do lists, take some time to cross off those pesky items, you’ll feel a weight lifted off your shoulders.
• Use technology to stay in control. There are tech tools out there to help out with just about everything, from project management software to communication and chat tools. While you don’t need to go overboard, there is probably a tool or two you could use to improve your processes.

If you’re already knee deep into planning for an event and are looking for a little more to carry you through the final stretch:

Start early and plan ahead

When planning a large event, much of the stress comes from organizing the countless moving pieces. If you’re constantly feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day, you may need to give yourself more time and start planning earlier. Use previous events as a starting point, and work backward to create a timeline that removes some of the pressure you previously felt. Lock in your vendors, like your caterer or event-app, earlier than you’d think and avoid any last minute scrambles.

Meditate

Practicing focused thought and deliberate breathing has been proven to help reduce stress. Set time aside, even if just 10 minutes, to calm your mind. According to Harvard, meditation is one of the best things anybody can do to reduce stress.

Get out and exercise

Feeling overwhelmed? Get out and take a walk. Feel like your list keeps growing? Take a quick run. In addition to the health benefits you’ll feel with regular exercise, it is proven to melt away stress. So get out there and get those endorphins going.

Unplug

Occasionally, we need to completely separate ourselves from work stresses. Set aside a few technology-free minutes each day to allow yourself a complete break. Turn off your phone, close the laptop, and leave the TV off for a few minutes, and allow yourself to just enjoy the moment and decompress.

Stay positive

Consciously choosing to keep a positive outlook throughout the event planning process is another way to manage stress. The same Harvard study, mentioned above, points to laughter as another way to de-stress. Find time to laugh with coworkers or to just enjoy a quick, silly video. Mind over matter, you got this!