Annual Protocol Check Up: Get physical | healthy body maintenance

Annual Protocol Check Up: Take time to take care … of you! As a protocol officer, you are always taking care of others— THE trusted adviser who plans and orchestrates international VIP visits, meetings, ceremonies and special events for military, government, academia and the business world. You have a multitude of responsibilities and demands with a nonstop job that includes long hours, lack of sleep and constant stress. In honor of all that you do to make everyone else’s life easier, for once, let’s turn the focus back on YOU! It’s time for your Annual Protocol Check-up where you take time to take care of yourself. Follow the protocol doctor’s orders to ensure you stay healthy and in shape throughout the year.

First, let’s get physical....using these basic rules of healthy body maintenance:

• You are what you eat (and drink!): As a busy protocol officer, it’s easy to skip meals, but you need fuel to rule! So don’t skip meals; have a protein bar handy or carry bite size veggies to snack on. Make sure to keep alcohol and caffeine at a minimum and hydrate with plenty of water.

• Exercise: It may seem obvious, but being in good physical shape will keep you on top of your game, especially with the stress and long hours associated with our profession. So hit the gym even if you’re traveling.

• Sleep: With the long hours required in the protocol profession, it’s easy to miss out on a good night’s rest. But make sure you get proper sleep even during hectic times and learn to take power naps when you can.

• Stress Relief: Stress! Event coordination is the fifth most stressful career of 2016, according to CareerCast. So if things become overwhelming, take some time to let your mind and body calm down. Here are a few tips:

+ Breathing exercises

+ Take a walk 

+ Meditate

+ Progressive relaxation 

Be sure to check out tomorrow's blog on Preventative Care...