Serving Up Support: Maine

The holiday season is a bustling time for the hospitality industry, and managing stress is crucial for maintaining well-being. Here are some tips to help you thrive during this busy period: 1. Prioritize Self-Care: Even small self-care routines can make a big difference. Take a few minutes each day to relax and recharge, whether it's enjoying music or stepping outside for some fresh air. 2. Set Boundaries: It's okay to say no to extra shifts or tasks if you're feeling overwhelmed. Protect your time and energy. 3. Plan Ahead: Balance personal and professional commitments by planning your schedule in advance. 4. Team Collaboration: Lean on your team for support. Sharing the workload can make the holiday rush more manageable. 5. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate quick mindfulness exercises into your day to stay grounded and present. 6. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements to boost morale and keep spirits high. Remember, taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give this holiday season. 🎁 #WellnessWednesday #HolidayStress #HospitalityIndustry #SelfCare #Mindfulness #TeamSupport #CelebrateWins #ServingUpSupportMaine

We are proud to call Maine Association of Recovery Residences part of the Recovery Friendly Workplace family. What originally started as a volunteer organization now has a staff of 5 that promote ethical recovery housing in Maine through the National Standards.

Meet Garrett Kennedy, our co-founder and treasurer, sharing his insights on the crucial topic of work-life balance for managers. With years of experience in restaurant management and now running his own business, Garrett knows firsthand the hustle and bustle of the industry. Garrett emphasizes the importance of balancing hard work with a healthy lifestyle. He speaks to our support network about how maintaining this balance is not just beneficial but essential for long-term success and well-being. Join us in this conversation and let's work together to create a healthier, more balanced hospitality industry. 🌟 A special thank you to our gracious hosts at The Longfellow Hotel for the use of their beautiful space for filming! Thank you for your commitment to wellness for both guests and employees alike! 💪❤️ Garrett Kennedy #WorkLifeBalance #HospitalityHeroes #HealthyLifestyle #ServingUpSupport #MindfulMonday

As a hospitality professional, how do you manage the extra stress during the busy holiday season? What are your top tips for staying balanced during this hectic time? 🎄🍽️ In this article, *Surviving the Holidays: Tips for Hospitality Workers & Industry Professionals*, the author shares practical strategies for navigating the high demands of the holiday season. From managing stress to prioritizing self-care, this guide offers actionable tips to help hospitality workers thrive during their busiest time of year. Written by Nio DiPietrantonio, Leader & Mental Health Advocate #HospitalityIndustry #HolidaySeason #StressManagement #WorkLifeBalance #HospitalityProfessionals #BrainzMagazine #SelfCare #employeewellbeing

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible hospitality workers and industry leaders. Your dedication and hard work in caring for others don't go unnoticed. You bring warmth and joy to countless lives, and for that, we are truly thankful. We also recognize that many of you won't have the luxury of a day off this Thanksgiving. As Black Friday approaches, we know you'll be working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly. From Thanksgiving into Black Friday, let's acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of those in the hospitality, retail, and tourism industries who make it all possible. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for making our celebrations brighter. We are grateful for you today and every day. From my team of dedicated directors and staff, to our amazing volunteers and everyone else in the Hospitality Sphere: We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! Take care of each other out there! #SupportHospitality #HappyThanksgiving #MentalHealthMatters

Say hello to our new board member, Kenney Miller! Kenny has devoted his career to advancing health justice, including ten years as the Executive Director of the Health Equity Alliance where he worked closely with members of the LGBTQ+ community, people who use drugs, and people living with HIV to address health disparities rooted in social inequality. He is currently contracted with the Maine Office of Behavioral Health as a Grant Manager. Kenney volunteers with the Restorative Justice Project of Maine and the Maine Prisoners Advocacy Coalition. In his free time Kenney enjoys backpacking and hiking, reading and journaling, spending time with friends and family, and trying to get his kids to play. Kenney says, “Beyond a wide array of social costs, I am passionate and committed to the work of Maine Boys to Men because I am intimately aware of the myriad ways that patriarchal masculinity has harmed me, as someone who was socialized as a man, and the ways that it harms my children: two boys, struggling to find how they fit in a culture that continues to preference and propagate unhealthy models of masculinity.” We are honored to welcome Kenney to the Maine Boys to Men family!

Ever walked into a messy room and thought, "I just don’t have the energy today"? Here are nine subtle, often overlooked signs of depression: 1. Messy living space: Not laziness—just no energy to clean. 2. Dissociation: Moving through life but feeling like you’re not really there. 3. Anger at yourself: Feeling like you’re wasting precious time. 4. Loss of focus: Endless scrolling or lying in bed all day. 5. Inability to plan: The future feels impossible to grasp, let alone map out. 6. Self-destructive tendencies: Choices that you know could hurt you down the line. 7. Physical symptoms: Fatigue, stomach pain, weight changes, insomnia. 8. Guilt: A nagging voice telling you you're letting others down. 9. Mental exhaustion: Feeling drained by simply existing. Depression often hides in plain sight. It’s not always tears and breakdowns—it’s subtle, pervasive, and, sometimes, invisible. I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it. And if this list resonates, maybe you have too. You’re not alone. Start the conversation. Let’s make mental health a priority. PS: What’s one thing that’s helped you or someone you know during a tough time?

Hospitality isn't just a job. It's a calling to spread warmth and love. In our industry, we have a unique power: We can turn strangers into friends over a shared meal. We can comfort the stressed with a warm cup of coffee. We can celebrate life's moments with carefully crafted dishes. But with this power comes responsibility. We must nurture not just our guests, but also ourselves and our colleagues. Mental health in hospitality matters. A lot. So today, I urge you: • Check in on your coworkers • Take time for self-care • Remember why you chose this path Let's make our industry a beacon of both culinary excellence AND compassion. Together, we can serve up not just great food, but also support, understanding, and love. What's your favorite way to spread warmth in your work?

"Imagine stepping into a workplace where empathy and understanding are at the forefront, where every employee feels supported in their personal and professional journey. This is the essence of a recovery-friendly workplace, a space where businesses not only thrive, but also help their people flourish. From enhancing well-being to boosting team morale, making your workplace recovery-friendly is a decision that resonates far beyond the office walls." Written by Nio DiPietrantonio, Leader & Mental Health Advocate

🌍 Happy International Men's Day! 🎉 Today, we celebrate the incredible contributions of men in the hospitality industry. From chefs to managers, and everyone in between, men play a vital role in making our dining experiences memorable and our stays enjoyable. 🍽️🏨 In the hospitality sector, men often face unique challenges, including long hours and high stress. Did you know that 1 in 2 men in hospitality have considered suicide, and 3 in 5 have experienced mental health issues? It's crucial to break the stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health. 💬 Let's honor the hardworking men in hospitality and commit to creating a supportive environment where they can thrive. Together, we can make a difference! 🙌 #InternationalMensDay #HospitalityHeroes #MentalHealthMatters #SupportMen