health

Ever since I started in this business, almost 20 years ago, I've noticed that the intensity of our world has dictated the need for a strong morning coffee and a relaxing social glass of wine in the evening. Now, admittedly, I've largely operated in the types of scenarios where drinks are part of the scene, though when working an event it is always a “no no” to imbibe. But when you start running your own business, as I did a few years ago, your health becomes even more of a focus, and shifting between the two adrenal draining vices can start to cause problems. While that incredible caffeine rush is not easily replaced, and that relaxing moment with a glass may be all you're looking forward to all day long, it's often a good idea to take a break from the two and find a way to recharge "in health." Nothing like a good green tea, an elderflower sparkler or a walk in the park to produce a moment of calm. My advice this new year is to take a break from the vices – oh, if only I could only take my own advice!

So, we have a pretty chill office, not that everyone isn’t working their cute booties off (because they are) but we like to keep things real. So, there used to be a time, not so long ago when I would call it a day and purchase a few bottles of wine and we would all have an “end of day” drink. Well, that seemed like a good idea until I realized everyday seemed like it needed to end in that yummy glass of wine. Now, this was not my colleague’s issue it was mine because I LOVE WINE. And, given ANY excuse I’m going to have a glass. But, I realized that all was not well with this strategy and decided to personally make a change. So, I’m about to complete a 3 month fast, with only 2-3 little hiccups and I feel great. But it’s funny. The girls do ask when I’m going to be done. When there’s a birthday and we break out the champagne, there’s the quiet little, maybe even hopeful questions “so are you drinking again?” This makes me sound a bit like a lush, eh? Ladies, ladies, yes it’s almost over, but here are 2 VERY good reasons to stay on the wagon. NUMBER 1: excellent for the figure! NUMBER 2: excellent for the brain cells. Need I say more? I think we won’t see a Mad Men “martinis for lunch” revival at Brand Building, after all. Sorry ladies, there is always the Soho House roof. Lol.

I don’t know how it’s going in your neck of the woods, but in the NE corner of the country we are being pollinated. It’s ugly. Really. All I want to do is go to bed early and sleep in late. I’ve sworn off alcohol for a season, but you would think I was out partying hard the way I feel in the morning. What has this got to do with public relations? Focus on the relations part. If I’m feeling like this, chances are everyone else on the team is as well. It’s time to give the peeps a break.

One of the perks of owning your own shop means you can come in later than 9 a.m. if you want to. Granted, I work all weekend, and am up at 5:30AM on my Blackberry, but still, if I’m straggling along I can come in after 9:00 a.m. Not so for the peeps. So when the weather turns, its time for summer hours! Starting Memorial Day weekend it’s half day Fridays! And I came up with another idea – how about letting the VPs work from home one day a week… Why not? They wouldn’t be a VP if they haven’t proven they can make it happen (from a plane a train or a hotel room). So, have at it, if you made it this far you deserve it. Plus, it gives others within the organization something to look forward to, because once you’re on the train there is nowhere to go but up!

 So, take your allergy medicine, start your fake and bake and get ready for summer, the fall crush is just a few months away!