It feels almost too obvious to start this article by saying we are living in uncertain times. But we are. Some days, the world feels like it is shifting under our feet faster than we can adjust, and keeping up can feel impossible at times. In an industry that thrives on planning, organization and delivering seamless customer experiences, unpredictability can feel especially overwhelming. Yet amidst the chaos, one thing remains constant: Us.
Now more than ever, we must be our own best friend while continuing to do one of the things that ticketing professionals do best, and that is looking out for each other.
Prioritizing our mental, physical and spiritual well-being is not a luxury. It is a necessity, and we must treat ourselves with the same care and compassion we would offer a loved one. Staying positive does not mean ignoring the challenges around us. It means choosing resilience, finding joy, and making self-care non-negotiable. What this means for everyone is different. Some of us recharge through movement and meaningful connections, while others find solace in acts of kindness or quiet reflection. Regardless of your path, the power to create stability starts within.
Here are seven ideas to help you put yourself first, practice radical self-love, and build the strength and resilience to show up for your family, friends and ticketing peers when they need you most.
1. Engage in Creative and Community Activities
We all understand the magic of bringing people together through shared experiences, so it is only fitting to recommend immersing yourself in live events, entertainment, arts and cultural events. With so much to choose from at your own venue and beyond, make time for programming that inspires and energizes you. Whether it is a Broadway show, a live concert, a game or a quiet afternoon at an art gallery or museum, these moments can provide much-needed joy and perspective. Explore hands-on creativity with a painting or pottery class, find connection in a book club or walking group, or engage with your community through local theatre, dance workshops or even urban gardening. However you choose to participate, making space for cultural and creative experiences is a powerful way to recharge and reconnect with yourself and others.
2. Cultivate Social Connections
Strong social connections are essential for both health and happiness. Social scientist Kasley Killam says meaningful relationships profoundly impact well-being, on par with avoiding smoking or excessive drinking. Indeed, chronic loneliness can elevate stress levels and weaken the immune system, Killam says, making it more important than ever to prioritize social connections and what she calls “social health.”
So, make the effort. Grab lunch with a colleague, call a friend to catch up, visit family or plan a get-together with people who lift you up. These small, intentional moments of connection can go a long way when it comes to boosting your mood, resilience and overall well-being.
“We need other people in order to survive, so chronic loneliness is literally registered as a threat. In contrast, when you have supportive relationships, that calms down your body and you’re able to manage stress more easily,” Killam said ahead of her keynote at WIRED Health in London. “Connection is a fundamental need that our bodies understand.”
3. Volunteer and Help Others
True, lasting happiness is not found in fleeting pleasures alone. While small indulgences can bring moments of joy and certainly have their place, enduring happiness is deeply tied to connection and kindness. Abigail Marsh, a professor in the Department of Psychology at Georgetown University, emphasizes that acts of generosity and social bonding play a far more significant role in our overall well-being than temporary self-focused rewards.
Findings from Marsh and fellow researcher Shawn Rhoads reveal that helping others, even in small ways, brings more lasting joy. Whether it is donating to a cause, volunteering your time or simply petting a stranger’s dog, acts of kindness boost our mood, motivation and overall well-being.
“It drives me bananas when I see advice lists about how to be happier that center on self-focused, often solitary activities like listening to music, taking a bath or buying yourself something,” said Marsh. “They might give you a momentary burst of pleasure but not enduring happiness.”
Marsh continued, “We experience vicarious pleasure from helping, literally a little echo, or simulation, of the happiness we see in others,” she said. “It gives us a sense of pride in having done something we know to be worthwhile. And most importantly, it strengthens our social relationships and sense of connectedness to other people, which is essential for real happiness.”
4. Participate in Community and Faith-Based Organizations
Being part of a church, synagogue or other religious group can provide a deep sense of belonging and essential social support, especially during difficult times. Beyond gathering with others who share your faith, beliefs and values, these communities fulfill a fundamental human need for connection and purpose. They offer emotional support, practical resources and networks that can help individuals navigate stress and uncertainty. In times of challenge, having a strong, supportive community can make all the difference in fostering resilience and well-being.
5. Set and Pursue Health Goals
A recent survey revealed that one in two women aim to become mentally stronger and reduce stress or anxiety in 2025. Common goals include better sleep quality, healthier eating habits, increased physical strength and weight loss.
Focusing on specific health objectives can improve overall wellness for everyone, and regular exercise is one of the most powerful tools to improve your quality of life, mental outlook and well-being. Exercise is for everyone, so you don’t have to play sports or love the gym. Start slowly with something manageable, like walking, swimming or yoga. Ultimately, you want to find something you enjoy and can stick with in the long term.
“Exercise doesn’t have to mean intense workouts or long gym sessions. It’s about finding an activity that fits your preferences and lifestyle. Even simple activities like gardening, biking to work or taking the stairs can be incredibly beneficial,” says Adam Wittbrodt, a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist and strength coach from Midland, Ontario. “By regularly engaging in physical activity, you are making an investment in your future health … Over time, regular exercise can [also] significantly improve your mental well-being, giving you the tools to better manage stress and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.”
6. Utilize Wellness Technology
Leveraging smart devices and wellness apps can help track health metrics, manage stress and support mindfulness practices. From smartwatches and fitness trackers to apps like Apple Health, Google Fit and Headspace, these tools offer valuable insights and programs for overall wellness, meditation and focus. During periods of spiritual renewal, such as Ramadan, experts suggest that apps can track fasting benefits, while technology can also enhance prayer and promote holistic well-being.
7. Practice Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation can be adapted to individual needs, including those who pay attention differently. Focusing on mindfulness, the practice of staying present and fully engaged in the moment, plus incorporating movement and using guided sessions, can make meditation more accessible and beneficial. This practice involves techniques, such as deep breathing, to center oneself during stressful situations. It also aids in stress reduction and enhances mental clarity.
“There’s no moment but this moment,” said Kay Burnham in a past INTIX Inspiration Stage conference session. “We are filled with moments, and when we can live in just that moment and train our mind not to wander to the past and beat ourselves up, not wander to the future and fret about things, we’re calmer, we’re happier and more productive, which will, in turn, result in a happier and more productive workplace.”
In today’s uncertain times, it is essential to prioritize self-care and well-being, not just for our own benefit but also for the strength and support we can offer others. Whether through creative activities, nurturing social connections, helping others, or practicing mindfulness, small actions can have a big impact on resilience. By taking care of ourselves, we are better equipped to handle challenges, stay grounded and make meaningful contributions to our communities.
So, stay present. Be kind to yourself. Embrace the moment. Focus on what you can control. And keep moving forward, no matter how small the step.
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