Once home, I jot a quick list of must-not-forgets. Then I plan for as much of a quiet day as I can. This year, I had a full day of rest after coming home, but it's not always possible!
My Post Conference Routine
a. Compose important business e-mails
This one is pretty self-explanatory!
b. Upload and tag pictures to Facebook while everyone's names are still fresh, also add new contacts to my social networks
I know this probably seems self-indulgent, but all of those lovely friendship seeds won't sprout if we don't water them. Adding pictures, leaving messages, and just reaching out to our friends is important. Do it while you're still excited!
c. Unpack conference materials and stack them in my office to deal with later
I'm usually too excited about returning to a manuscript to review and file my workshop notes, so I keep it all in my office until I'm ready to deal with them.
d. Nap
Conferences are so much fun--but they're also exhausting. I rarely sleep enough or well. Add to that the extra energy of meeting new people, trying to get to appointments on time, finding the right room for the workshop, and making sure I look presentable--well, it adds up to me being super tired! Frequent naps are a must when I come home.
e. Drink extra water
I've yet to attend a conference where the air didn't suck the moisture from my body. I drank extra water during my stay, but I still feel parched.
f. Create a game plan for the next week or month
Chances are I have ideas for a new book, plans for my current work-in-progress, tweaks to make to a requested proposal or manuscript, and any number of other tasks banging on the door for my attention. I can't do everything at once, so I spend time prioritizing and planning.
g. Thank everyone who made my conference extra special.
Some people go out of there way to make me feel special. I appreciate them and want them to know it.
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Thank you for keeping me in your prayers! Thank you also for the well-wishes with the Genesis Contest. I didn't win, but I felt like a winner just for being there!
What does your post-conference routine look like?
Have a fantastic day!
