Question:
Dear Advice Guy,
Gah! Any suggestions for healthy ways to de-stress? I need a break!
– Owner
Answer:
First, kudos on including the word “healthy” in your question. The restaurant industry is a stressful one. Many industry professionals resort to de-stressing with substances or behaviors that, while they may be satisfying in the short term, are ultimately unhealthy and create more stressful problems in the long run.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am far from an expert when it comes to managing stress (despite being the child of two psychologists), so I called on an expert for this column. Maria Campbell is a chef, culinary educator and founder of Cooks Who Care, an “industry org dedicated to supporting mental health for food & beverage workers.”
Campbell and Cooks Who Care advise, “It’s ok to slow down! Your body needs it. Your creative spirit needs it. We all have different relaxation styles, so make a plan that feels good to you. … It’s all about giving yourself a break from the daily grind.”
In terms of specific healthy de-stressing activities, Campbell suggests:
- Getting your muscles moving and blood flowing is a definite mood booster.
- About 20 minutes of sun exposure a day gets you a good dose of vitamin D, a natural mood booster, and helps your body produce melatonin, which leads to better nights of sleep.
- If your job just doesn’t allow for a lot of time off right now, it’s important to dedicate some of the time that you DO have to an activity that feels special to you, such as a day trip, lounging in the park or lunch with an old friend. An afternoon off can make a big difference.
- Checking in with your emotions, embracing vulnerability and building resilience are key steps toward a healthier mindset.
- Almost any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever. Even if you're not an athlete or you're out of shape, exercise can still be a good stress reliever.
Campbell says, “We feel that learning how to rest and take breaks is one of the most important skills that folks in our industry really need to work on. If you invest in supporting your own mental health, you are setting yourself up to be happier, healthier and more productive for years to come.”
Finally, if your stress level is not at the manageable level where a walk, sunshine or tea with a friend will do the trick, seek professional help.
More on the mental health challenges of the restaurant industry here.