Eight Ways Planners Can Rest and Rejuvenate

Even though Business Insider lists urban and regional planner as one of the top “15 High-Paying Jobs for People Who Don’t Like Stress,” those in the profession know how taxing it can be.

The idea in managing stress is to make sure planners make their rejuvenation a priority, according to Clement Lau, a planner for Los Angeles  County.

“Let’s face it: it is not easy nor fun dealing with residents who are angry with you over a plan or project that you are working on, responding to letters of opposition to a plan or project that are based on preconceived ideas or rumors, compiling documents and correspondence to comply with Public Records Act requests for information, and/or handling threats of litigation from developers, community residents, and/or environmental groups.”

Taking walks, traveling, or visiting a museum are among the ways Lau writes the recharges. Planners can also attend professional conferences or teach a class for a change of pace from the daily grind, he adds.

“I want to encourage my fellow planners to not become weary in doing good; even though we may not see immediate results, the thoughtful planning that we do with our constituents will ultimately help to transform and improve the quality of life in our communities.”

Clement goes on to list eight specific suggestions, not all of them immediately restful.