Maintaining energy, focus, and well-being is crucial in the demanding hospitality industry. By making self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, you can recharge and perform at your best. Here are examples from seven of today’s hospitality leaders that are helping them stay balanced and thrive in their careers.

1

"Carving out time for self-care is essential. I actually schedule it into my week and make it non-negotiable. Having this time is beneficial because it sets me up for success in my working week."

— Nikki Langworthy. General Manager at Perle Restaurant
2

“I meditate, journal, workout and sauna.”

— Daniel Shemtob, Owner, CEO & Chef of The Lime Truck, Hatch Ya Later & Snibbs
3

“I get acupuncture treatments – I’m always on my feet and my mind is always working. I try to go every week, if not every other week. It relaxes my body and mind.”

— Tara Bryan, Senior Culinary Director at Jean-Georges Management
4

“I like to run often -- as frequently as possible. I also end each day with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. I have 40 different teas at home.”

— Danny Garcia. Executive Chef and Partner of Time and Tide
5

“I do a few things for regular self-care: first, if I’m able, I try to be “unplugged” from work on my time off. This means resisting the urge to reply to an email on my off hours, even if I’ve been waiting for it to come in all day. (I’m still working on this one.) Second, I maintain a social circle that is completely separate from my professional life, which allows me to get different perspectives when I ask for advice and some mental space from my work life. Finally, I treat myself to a massage every five weeks or so. Apart from relieving the stress I carry in my shoulders, it’s a nice way to have something to look forward to!”

— Alice Navadeh. Senior Director of Partnerships & Development at Food Education Fund
6

“To be honest I need to get better at self-care, I run myself down quite a bit but this is a huge focus for me moving forward. Last year I started taking a few consecutive weeks off in the summer with my family and it really helped me recharge.”

— Nico Russell, Chef / Owner of Redwood Hospitality
7

“I love doing yoga and going to the farmers market. I also do the flower arrangements of the restaurant!”

— Laura Ozyilmaz, Chef / Co-Owner at Dalida