A career in the hospitality industry is exciting and rewarding, but can also be extremely mentally and physically taxing. We spend so much time taking care of others that it is very easy to forget to take care of ourselves. These industry leaders share how they stay physically and mentally healthy.
1

“Get out of the house on days off, and/or before or after work. Fresh air, friends and family can do wonders for someone's mental health. Exercise and stretching are great too. You need a healthy way to release all of the stress, anxiety and tension.”

Josh Even - Executive Chef, Partner at Tosca Cafe SF
2

“Take the time to have the pride in yourself, get up early enough to eat breakfast, take a shower and mentally focus before going to work. Be engaged at work, asking questions and try to learn something new every day. You have to work your brain as much as your body to stay fit in the kitchen.”

David Hands - Chef de Cuisine, Bouchon Beverly Hills
3

“Physical activities like going to a gym and working out certainly help. I train Jiu Jitsu with a few chefs in the company and it is a great mental and physical exercise that helps me sustain such long days.”

Scott Calhoun - Chef de Cuisine, Parc
4

“I keep a healthy lifestyle in this business by running and competing in a marathon once per year. I can see in this business you can really go either way - If you're not taking care of yourself physically and mentally, you’re no good to anybody.”

Bryan Dayton - Proprietor/Beverage Director, Oak at Fourteenth and Acorn
5

“Stretch a lot and strengthen your core. I know I sound like a Pilates instructor, but lower back pain is inevitable in this industry if you don’t do daily maintenance to your body. In my first few years cooking, my body really took a beating.”

Nick Anderer - Executive Chef and Partner, Maialino and Marta
6

“This can be an incredibly stressful profession, so finding a positive outlet for stress is also important. The healthier you are, the longer and further you can push yourself.”

Aggie Chin - Executive Pastry Chef, Rosewood Washington D.C.