Foodservice can be a rewarding but grueling task. Long shifts and endless demands can result in resentment and fatigue, but squeezing in some R&R can prevent this from happening. Let’s take a look at six tips that’ll help you maintain a little balance amidst the daily grind.

Pencil in some free time. Literally penciling free time into a day planner or schedule can make R&R seem less like procrastination and more like a task. Blocking off periods of time to unwind can make you less stressed and sharper when you get back to work. Think about investing in a day planner or using a scheduling app to stay on top of your commitments. In the end, this will make it easier to block off “me time.”

Learn to say no. Saying yes to every opportunity that arises ⁠— no matter how good it may be — can result in an endless list of tasks. Learning to say no to certain responsibilities can reduce your stress level by making sure nothing unexpected is added to your to-do list. While it may take some getting used to, your friends, coworkers, partners and vendors will all gain a better understanding of what you are capable of when you set these boundaries.

Prioritize your tasks. Prioritizing your to-do list according to urgency can help you get everything done in a timely manner without feeling frazzled. To begin, jot down all of the tasks that are on your to-do list. Then, sort these tasks according to priority ⁠— which items need to get done first? Having a sorted list can significantly reduce stress and ensure that you’re maintaining your commitments to others.

Look for helpful tools. Having the right equipment in your kitchen can streamline foodservice operations. You may want to consider what Ovention has to offer. Their top-of-the-line ovens (like the Double Milo®, Matchbox, Shuttle and Conveyor!!) will help you maintain food consistency and freshness while ensuring that your meals come out perfect every time. In the end, this can reduce inefficiencies and the odds of problems arising during the workday, giving you more opportunity to carve in time for R&R.

Set hard work hours. Working long hours is one thing, but bleeding into overtime on a regular basis is another problem altogether. Setting work hours and learning to leave business problems “at the office” when you’re at home is critical to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Make it a point to share your schedule with your colleagues so they are aware of when you are and aren’t available.

Take care of your body. While it might seem harmless to skip a workout class when a problem arises at work, this habit can take its toll on your body over time. Maintaining your overall health is essential to putting your best foot forward when you’re leading a foodservice team. Similar to penciling in “me time,” think about carving out opportunities to focus on your health, whether it’s through enjoying a nutritious lunch every day or fitting in a brisk walk each morning.

Striving for Work-Life Balance

Achieving an optimal work-life balance is easier said than done, but with these six tips, you can give yourself the best chance at successfully maintaining your health and your career. Focusing on having the right tools on hand can help you reduce stress and get more done. With kitchen equipment from Ovention, you can streamline processes in your kitchen, maintain consistency, and reduce the odds of mechanical issues causing problems for you during the workday.