It is October and as the year picks up steam for the final quarter, I find that the pace is really challenging, even though I enjoy operating in a dynamic environment. Hospitality’s peak season is here and it is an exciting and optimistic time. Nevertheless, those in the industry will be operating under pressure very soon. Stress can be a motivating factor and I don’t like to always see it as negative, but long-term stress isn’t good for us and with a demanding programme it often seems impossible to take a break. What can we do to look after our well-being every day?
Almost like when it comes to dieting, we can all write the book on stress release. Exercise, spend time in nature, listen to music, stretch, breathe, go for a massage. Sometimes it feels like these destressing methods will just take up more time, leaving you with less opportunity to complete your tasks and eventually, lead to more angst. Sounds familiar?
I stumbled upon the idea of hospitality towards yourself. Based on the same principle that you can’t be kind towards others when you aren’t kind to yourself, I realised how important self-hospitality would be in the hospitality industry. But in a world where the needs of others always take priority, what does hospitality for yourself really mean?
The idea implies considered stillness in the most simple and basic actions of your everyday routine. Do you enjoy your early morning cup of coffee? Rather than boiling the water while ironing your shirt, mixing together some instant options, sipping while getting dressed, your mind on the programme of the day… take a few minutes to only make coffee. It might take a minute or two longer, but think about the action of making coffee, try to make the best cup you can, enjoy the ceremony whether you are grinding your beans or heating your milk. Let’s learn from the calm of traditional tea ceremonies. Get satisfaction from that few moments that you would have spent on making coffee anyway, but make them work for you.
Perhaps coffee isn’t your thing, but I bet we can all identify opportunities during our hurried day when we could just be in the moment, smell the figurative flowers and benefit from being mindful. It is very simple, but I am not fooling myself that it is easy too! Forgetting about that report while brewing your coffee? How is it even possible? Like establishing most habits, it might take a little practice, concentration and repetition.
There is also a sense of self-worth that we have to address. Are you shaking your head at colleagues going out on their lunch break while you just add a few calories while typing up a storm? Do you feel a little superior because your workload doesn’t allow a lunch break? If your self-worth relies too closely to how busy you are, you might end up exactly where negative stress take you – anxious, overwhelmed and unhappy. Having said that, we can’t deny the expectations of today’s life and though being busy can be seen as an excuse, it often is a very hard reality. That is what I enjoy so much about the concept of hospitality towards yourself. You know what you are in for, but here and there, for a few moments, you show yourself the same attention and care that you give to others.
Anyone who knows me would tell you that I am not one for sitting still. I like to keep things going and I think there is a wonderful energy and enthusiasm when it is all systems go. But it isn’t always smooth sailing and hospitality staff who might flourish at work during the busy tourism season, might still have challenges at home, such as family expectations and financial worries.
Living in a country with a ridiculous unemployment figure, we know to be grateful for our jobs, but it isn’t sustainable if you don’t make yourself a priority too. You can’t go to work if you are ill, regardless of whether your illness is mental or physical. Prioritising yourself is important, but it should not just be another task on an already impossible schedule, it will just add to the stress.
For many of us, the weekend away or a stint at a spa isn’t reality, but making your cup of coffee is and it can be much more if you allow it. The same goes for making your salad or sandwich and of course, for opening a bottle of wine. Enjoy the ritual of uncorking, then swirl, sniff, sip – even if you don’t have a clue what you are tasting – enjoy the process and be a little kinder to yourself.