It doesn’t matter if you are line staff or in management, brand new or experienced, we all experience a stressful moment from time to time - and we all know that the pandemic only increased our collective anxiety. Difficult guests, disagreements with colleagues, breakdowns and a seemingly never-ending backlog of emails are only some of our day-to-day challenges in hospitality, and when these come on top of pressure in our personal lives as well it can sometimes just feel like too much.
None of this is new, but the pandemic added any number of additional stress points and has made many of us more aware of the importance of our mental health alongside the physical. Whether the pressure is daily or occasional, everyone should develop an understanding of their own mental state as well as techniques to relax and recharge.Luckily, whether the sources are external (guests, managers, etc) or internal (personal pressures), there are many ways to manage stress in the workplace and at home, including:
- Prioritizing and organizing your tasks: Make a to-do list and prioritize your tasks to help you stay focused and on track, and be sure to break down large tasks or projects so they don’t feel overwhelming.
- Taking breaks: It can be hard in hospitality, but if you can try to take regular breaks throughout the day. Most importantly, don’t spend your break rehashing frustrations as this will only keep your level of agitation high. This time is better spent on an activity that will clear your mind and help you recharge, whether it’s a chat with a friend or a power nap!
- Practicing relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress and tension. Longer sessions before or after work are great, but there are also short breathing and stretching exercises you can do at your desk or even as you walk.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising can all help reduce stress.
- Building a support system: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your stress and seek their support.
- Communicating effectively with your colleagues and manager: Clear and open communication can help to resolve conflicts and prevent misunderstandings that contribute to stress.
- Setting boundaries between work and personal life: Make sure you set aside enough time for yourself and activities that you enjoy outside of work.
- Seeking help from an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if your company has one. It is a confidential service that provides support for employees dealing with personal or work-related problems.
It's important to remember that everyone has stress and it is normal to experience it. It's key to find what works for you and make a plan to manage it. Take a deep breath, go for a run, make a list of everything you have accomplished that day so you can focus on what was achieved instead of what's left to do - each of us recharge differently, and you may find that what works for you changes over time. Most importantly, remember that it's ok not be ok - and don't be afraid to ask for help.