A 2 min read.

Picture this: a cramped kitchen filled with the clanging of pots and pans, the constant shouting of orders, and the hurried footsteps of overworked chefs. The air is thick with tension as the team struggles to keep up with the relentless pace of dinner service. Mistakes are made, tempers flare, and the pressure mounts with every passing minute. This chaotic scene, vividly portrayed in the TV show The Bear, is a stark example of an unmentally fit team.

In such an environment, the toll on mental health is palpable. Stress and burnout are rampant, and the team’s ability to function effectively and harmoniously is compromised. Unlike the fictional portrayal in The Bear, a mentally fit team operates with resilience, clear communication, and a balanced approach to challenges.

If the scenario above feels uncomfortably familiar to you, I can help. Let’s connect at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

What is Mental Fitness?

Mental fitness refers to the state of your mental health and well-being. It involves the ability to manage emotions effectively, cope with stress, and maintain a positive outlook on life. For restaurant owners and operators, mental fitness is crucial as it directly impacts your ability to lead and maintain a thriving business.

Being mentally fit means having the resilience to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to changes, and maintain emotional balance during tough times. It allows you to regulate your emotions, maintain healthy relationships with your team, and achieve important goals.

Like physical fitness, mental fitness is not a static state but a continuous process requiring ongoing effort and attention. It can be improved with regular practice and the right strategies.

Mental Fitness in the Hospitality Industry

In hospitality, we pride ourselves on being some of the hardest working, most adaptable, and highly functional people around. We juggle long hours, manage countless problems during shifts, and run every station with expertise. We are true badasses!

However, this relentless drive comes at a mental cost. Managing costs, ingredients, product consistency, and guest satisfaction is an all-encompassing task. It’s easy to carry work home, both mentally and physically. As leaders, we often extend our guidance beyond our shifts, sometimes even on our days off.

Over the years, I’ve realized that while I excel at giving, I struggle with receiving – whether it’s help from others or time for myself. My passion for hospitality stems from a desire for connection with both staff and guests. I love saying yes to guest requests whenever possible.

I've spent much of my career pushing forward with relentless ambition, always striving to prove myself. Yet, in hindsight, the times I allowed myself to slow down – to meditate, exercise, or simply rest – were the periods of greatest growth and success. Balancing rest and action has been key to building resilience and achieving sustained development. As I reflect on my journey, I realize that these small changes made a significant impact on my well-being and effectiveness as a leader. Here are three practical tips to help you and your team achieve mental fitness:

3 Tips to Achieve Mental Fitness

1. Prioritize Self-Care:

Just like scheduling a staff meeting or a service shift, make time for self-care. Whether it's meditation, a massage, or a workout, prioritize activities that help you recharge. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining mental health and resilience.

2. Set Boundaries:

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Learn to say no when necessary and delegate tasks to your team. This not only prevents burnout but also empowers your staff by giving them more responsibility and trust.

3. Practice Mindfulness:

Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Simple techniques like deep breathing, mindful walking, or a few moments of meditation can help you stay grounded and reduce stress. Mindfulness enhances your ability to handle the pressures of the hospitality industry with a calm and focused mind.

Painting the Picture

Now, imagine your team again, but this time in a real restaurant setting. The kitchen is a hive of calm efficiency, with chefs collaborating effortlessly. The front-of-house staff glides through their tasks, intuitively meeting the needs of every guest. Communication is clear, energy is positive, and the restaurant operates like a well-oiled machine. The atmosphere is welcoming, guests are delighted, and your team is both capable and connected.

This is the power of mental fitness – a harmonious, efficient, and resilient team, ready to face anything. Prioritize mental fitness, and watch your restaurant and team flourish like never before.

To learn more about mental fitness, email me at christinlmarvin@gmail.com

P.S. 

For more leadership development, here are some additional resources for you:

1. Tune into the No Hesitations Podcast Episode 32 : How to Lead with Clarity : 5 Strategies for Effective Restaurant Management

2. To grow your leadership in just 5 minutes a day, join my 12 Day Leadership Challenge.

3. Contact me for a strategy session about overcoming your biggest challenge at christinlmarvin@gmail.com and start transforming your mindset, your restaurant, and your life today!