Are You Drinking out of Habit as a Hospitality Professional?
It’s extremely common for staff working in the restaurant industry to finish their shift and grab an alcoholic beverage to unwind.
Although this routine may be harmless at first, and using alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, after years, it can become a habit that has grown into a full-blown addiction.
Why You Should Reduce Alcohol as a Hospitality Pro
Last night, I got off work early and felt the urge to pick up a bottle of wine. However, after checking my drinking app, which I use to track my alcohol consumption throughout the month, I decided against it.
After working 25 years in the restaurant industry, I’ve learned how socially acceptable it is to drink alcohol after your shift.
3 Simple Steps to Improve Your Health as a Restaurant Professional
Developing wellness habits as a hospitality professional working in the restaurant industry is essential for staying sharp, energized and grounded throughout the shift.
Often, industry people forget how important it is to take care of their own health, which can lead to burnout, overconsumption of alcohol, and lack of sleep.
I’ve experienced it firsthand.
Why Men in the Restaurant Industry Struggle to Sleep
One of the most common complaints I hear from restaurant professionals, especially men, is that they struggle to receive adequate sleep.
They often feel restless upon awakening and struggle with insomnia, causing them to toss and turn throughout the night.
“For optimal health, adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep, as recommended by the Sleep Research Society and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.”
Unfortunately, that is not always the case, especially when high stress levels are caused by working in the restaurant industry, which can impair the hormone cortisol's function.
The Two Sleep Tips Every Hospitality Worker Needs
Two favourite devices that hospitality professionals often indulge in are coffee and alcohol, both of which can feel like necessary fuel for long shifts or unwinding after a hectic day.
Coffee provides that quick burst of energy and mental alertness needed to stay on top of fast-paced work, while a drink after a shift can feel like a well-deserved reward or a way to decompress.