It's true, working in a kitchen is stressful, and each person does need to find a way to handle it (or you might explode!!!)
We have a waiter who runs out the back door and screams (LOUDLY) when his customers drive him nuts.
I make "Shimmer"cinos (I use my real name when I talk about them at work)- iced coffee, little bit of cream, little bit of vanilla extract (hey, this is a restaurant kitchen, not a coffee bar), brown sugar, and chocolate syrup. Enough caffeine to dull the stress and heighten awareness, enough sugar to speed through the tickets coming in.
Of course, caffeine is simply another drug. Other good ways are music related, I have found. I sing broadway musicals in my head (I have Rent memorized, start to finish). I haven't worked in this restaurant long enough to feel comfortable to do it out loud, but it would help everyone!!!
When I am stressed and still have a minute to run outside to sit down, I would personally much rather breathe deeply of fresh air than stale cigarette smoke. But possibly I don't get it.
=)
~~Shimmer~~
__________________
"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea"
- Henry James | 
05-23-2001, 08:50 PM
Similar Threads 
