Keeping You Energy Levels Up at a Trade Show

Representing your company at a trade show is a good way to connect with and retain clients or gather new ones. Being in a good physical and mental state to smile and talk with people affects the bottom line.

Presenting yourself well at a trade show can be a challenge as the hours and/or days wear on and you wear out. Here are a few tips to keep in top form and give you the energy to close some sales that might otherwise slip away.

1. Wear comfortably fitting clothes. If you are not comfortable in you clothes it will show and be distracting. Save your energy for your clients -- not tugging or struggling with clothes.

2. Make sure your shoes are clean and/or polished and they are ones in which you can comfortably stand for many hours. When your feet are tired it wears the rest of you out. Wearing high heels can be draining, not to mention damaging to your feet.

3. Take breaks. Every hour or two leave the booth to a trusted colleague and find a seat for 15 minutes.

4. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or other low calorie caffeine free liquids which act as a diuretic, draining your body of necessary fluids.

5. Eat healthy foods. Vendors offer chocolate and other sweets to attract visitors to their booths. Promise yourself one or two bites at the end of the day for a treat. If you start sampling early in the day the temptation to continue may be too hard to resist.

6. Eat small healthy snacks throughout the day and avoid a heavy mid-day meal. A fresh green salad with some protein and fruit can make you feel better and help keep your energy levels up.

7. Avoid excessive alcohol, which can keep you awake and cause you to feel tired the next day.


8. At the end of the day soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts. Then massage them with moisturizing lotion. You’ll feel more relaxed and more able to fall asleep after a physically challenging day on your feet. Trade shows often last more than one day, and you'll be more ready to return the following day after a good night's sleep.

Too tired to be bothered with dragging out a basin and water? Maine Warmers offers Foot Warmers (microwavable) to help relax sore tired foot muscles at the end of the day. Their extra large Back Warmer can be used as a Foot Warmer Pad, and a Neck Warmer may also be used on the feet or neck to relax sore, tired muscles.

Gentle Cold Packs and Microwave Heating Pads for Migraines

Migraine headaches seem to be caused by “vascular spasms” of blood vessels in the brain. They cause a pounding headache that can last 6 – 48 hours with increased sensitivity to light, throbbing in either one or both sides of the head, and nausea. There may be a loss of appetite.

They can sometimes be preceded by an aura – a bright flash of light or blinking lights. Many people have no warning before the onset of a migraine. Some migraines can be accompanied by or triggered by tension headaches. Other triggers include bright lights, smoking, caffeine, food allergies, perfumes and fragrances, hormone changes during menstrual cycles, physical or emotional stress, smoking, skipping meals, and changes in sleep patterns.

There isn’t a known cure for migraines so preventing migraines is important. Keeping a diary may help determine triggers for migraines thus helping one avoid headaches. For mild migraines over-the-counter pain relievers may help. Resting in a quiet, darkened room may ease the pain along with a cold compress or cold pack on the forehead.

Consulting a doctor to help determine treatment for one’s individual needs in regard to migraines is best.

The National Institutes for Health Medline Plus Web site has an excellent article on migraines – their symptoms and treatment. Another article at the NIH on the role of magnesium in the body suggests that levels of this mineral in the body may contribute to migraines.

A cold pack on the face or head might help. For gentle ice packs that provide comforting cold visit Maine Warmers. Their cold packs may be frozen for gentle cold, or when microwaved, they become heating pads that can be placed over eyes or on the forehead. Some find heat better than cold, but that is up to the individual. Check out their Neck Warmers, which can be draped over the face or head, and their cute little Comforting Creatures that decorate a chair or bed when not in use.

Exercising for the elderly

There are four basic exercises that people - young or old - need to maintain good health.

Strength Exercises

Strength exercises help keep your muscles toned. Don’t hold your breath while exercising. Your muscles need oxygen. Breath out as you exert yourself or push up, breath in as you relax or on the downward motion. Move smoothly – not fast or jerking. Don’t stiffen or lock joints.

Check out these strengthening exercises and/or watch the video at the National Institutes for Health Senior Heatlth page.

Balance Exercises
Balance exercises help to keep you steady on your feet and may help prevent falls resulting in broken bones. As with any exercise start slowly while you build up strength in your legs. View more information on balance exercises.

Stretching

Stretching exercises help with flexibility and should not cause. Smooth easy motion is needed, not fast jerking movements. Warming up before exercising is also important. Yoga routines can be modified to be safe at any age.  Stretching Tips and Exercises


Endurance Exercise

Endurance exercise raises your heart rate for an extended period of time. As with other forms of exercise it is recommended to start out slowly and increase the level as you progress. Brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and raking the lawn are examples of endurance exercises. For more information and tips on endurance exercises please check out the NIH Senior Health Web site.

To help stiff muscles become more flexible see Maine Warmers microwavable heat pads.  Back Warmers and Neck Warmers will cover most areas of the body. Heat therapy helps relax sore muscles, increase circulation, and help improve flexibility.

They are versatile and will help with arthritis pain or can be used as bed warmers. Also, they can be frozen if ice or cold therapy is what you need. Cold will help reduce swelling and pain.

Exercise to Maintain Health & Independence

No matter what age we are we want to live independently and have energy to do the things we like to do. The National Institute on Aging recommends exercise to achieve these goals for as long as we can.

Exercise can save your life as well as your lifestyle. Maintaining good health demands physical activity especially as we age. Each year our muscles and connective tissue seem to stiffen up and limit our flexibility.

Exercise gives you strength to stay independent as long as possible, improves energy levels and balance, helps delay or prevent some diseases, reduces depression and perks you up.

In their brochure they offer 4 ways to exercise to maintain:

• Endurance
• Strength
• Balance
• Flexibility

To read or receive their free brochure about exercise see the AgePage at the National Institute on Aging. “Exercise and Physical Activity: Getting Fit For Life.”

Cat microwave heating pad

If you find you have a stiff muscle from exercising you may want to use a microwavable heating pad to help maintain flexibility. The heat helps relax muscles and improve circulation and flexibility. 

Maine Warmers offers microwave heating pads that are decorative as well as functional. They are safe and easy to use and make great gifts for elderly folks. Cats, and Dogs can be left on a couch or chair and do not look like electric heating pads. This can also be used as a bed warmer.