Mental health in hospitality is more relevant than ever. Research has shown that one in five operators suffer from work-related mental health issues. Building a positive kitchen also means acknowledging these issues and giving honest, practical solutions to deal with them together.
Today, we're going to explore the top ten tips for managing mental health struggles in hospitality and learn how to better cope with the daily challenges presented by our industry, both as a team and as individuals.
Mental Health in the Culinary Industry
First things first, what's mental health?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as "a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community."
Working in hospitality often means long shifts, a fast-paced environment, unsociable working hours, and regularly standing or lifting heavy items. All these components can negatively affect one's physical and mental health, and our research shows that 53% of chefs feel pushed to the breaking point.
The truth is that this doesn't have to be the reality of our industry. By caring for our own and our employees' wellbeing, we can shape a better future for hospitality.
10 Top Tips to Achieve Mental Wellness in the Kitchen
1. Share your Feelings
Trying to deal with your pain on your own can only make it worse. Find a trusted teammate, family member or friend you can open up to about your concerns or worries, who can help you see your problem in a different light. If you find it difficult to talk to loved ones, check out your local wellbeing resources for support and advice.
2. Build a Sustainable Routine
Easier said than done. Hospitality is a fast-paced and demanding industry, so building a routine with daily achievable tasks can help you feel more accomplished and grounded.
You can't do everything at once, so prioritise and accept that some things just won't be achievable. Concentrate on what you can do, not on what you can't.
3. Make Simple Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes, you have to go back to basics. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help you manage symptoms of anxiety and stress. Who has the time for this when you’re in a kitchen, right? But you’ll reap the rewards for making these changes by having more mental clarity, feeling more energised and looking (and feeling) great.
4. Learn About Mental Health
Learning about and understanding mental health and what can affect it can help remove much of the fear, guilt, and misconception many people have if they are suffering. Understanding what might be happening will also help you take the first steps to feel better.
5. Schedule Time for Fun
Make space for play outside of work. Engage in your favourite hobby, meet up with friends, or catch a movie at the cinema. Taking a proper break from work and giving your brain and body a chance to focus on something you enjoy will help you feel refreshed and energised when you return.
6. Keep Bad Habits in Check
The pressure of work can lead to finding relief in things like smoking, drinking, and drugs. However, the comfort is only temporary. For example, alcohol is known to be a depressant, so it might make you feel better initially, but you'll feel much worse afterwards.
7. Learn Mindfulness Techniques
Separating work stress from your home life may seem like a pipe dream, but learning mindfulness techniques like meditation and breathing exercises can help you relieve feelings of anger and stress that you may be experiencing, helping you to cope with these feelings better.
See also: How to Deal with Stress in the Kitchen
8. Set Achievable Goals
Learn to set small goals that you can reach. This way, you will see a clearer progression in your skillset and career. Once you have reached them, reward yourself and celebrate your achievement.
9. Include Self-Care into Your Schedule
In this fast-paced industry, it's easy to neglect your personal wellbeing. That's why you should remember to include self-care in your day-to-day life. Even small gestures like preparing a nourishing family lunch (or packing one to have on your break) can make a difference.
You Might Also Like: Self-Care Tips from the Pros
10. Getting Better Takes Time
If your mental health is already taking strain, and you’re feeling the effects of it, be kind to yourself and remember that the journey towards mental health is a lifelong commitment. Some days can feel better, but deciding to tackle the situation and seeking help are signs of strength and courage.
Hospitality moves at a relentless pace and comes with its own set of pressures. However, maintaining your wellbeing is achievable with the right strategies and a supportive kitchen environment.
Taking simple yet effective steps can help maintain better mental health and inspire your teammates to reach the same goal.
