Here's how you can prevent burnout and practice effective self-care as a hospitality professional.

As a Preopening GM a balance life is a luxury. Days before the hotel opens, you are on the floor for more than probably 14-15hours a day checking and rechecking that all system are in place ready to go on the opening day. A good measurement that I applied is as soon as the opening day is done, a work / rest and exercise schedule is in place. Perhaps slowing things down a little, a work delegation to the team, allowing you to take a step back do an assessment of things and do the necessary correction along the way whilst allowing your body to recuperate, rejuvenated and avoiding anything negative that comes as a result of Burnout.

As a hospitality professional, preventing burnout involves recognizing its early signs, such as chronic fatigue, irritability, and detachment from work. To practice effective self-care, establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring regular breaks and downtime. Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and physical activity to maintain overall well-being. Engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you, like hobbies or time with loved ones. Seek support from colleagues or mentors when feeling overwhelmed. Regularly reflect on your workload and stress levels, adjusting as needed to maintain balance and prevent burnout.

At one point in university, I was a full-time student, working a part-time job, doing an internship, and involved in several student organizations. What you may see as a well-rounded student, was not the case. It was an ambitious student trying to do everything and fit everything into her schedule. I had poor time management and tried to prioritize everything... everything but myself. I utilized Google Calendar to stay on top of things. I found my calendar full, booked with back-to-back events. I did not have time for myself because of how busy I made myself, and that is when I started feeling exhausted, restless, and down. I was facing burnout and it was only going to get worse if I did not find a good balance.

Start by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time to ensure adequate rest and recovery. Prioritize tasks and delegate when possible to avoid overloading yourself. Incorporate regular breaks into your daily routine to recharge and maintain focus. Engage in activities outside of work that bring you joy and relaxation, such as hobbies, exercise, and spending time with loved ones. Practice mindfulness and stress management techniques, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, to maintain mental resilience.

Boundaries are crucial in hospitality, where guests' needs often blur with personal time. Early in my career, I struggled with saying no, fearing it'd affect service. But I learned that setting clear boundaries not only preserved my well-being but also improved guest interactions. Whether it's dedicating weekends to recharge or setting email curfews, honoring these boundaries is key to sustained passion and performance in hospitality.

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, connecting with peers isn’t just networking—it’s self-care. I remember a time when a colleague's simple "How are you?" turned my hectic day around. Sharing challenges and strategies over coffee breaks builds a supportive community that fuels us through the toughest shifts. Let’s keep those connections alive; they’re our best defense against burnout.

When I started Nirvana Homes Rarta, I did everything—check-ins, housekeeping, bookings, and property maintenance. This hands-on approach taught me everything about my business but also drained and overwhelmed me. I quickly realized that to sustain the quality of service and maintain my well-being, I needed to start delegating tasks. With the influx of guests, managing reservations, answering queries, and handling special requests became increasingly time-consuming. I decided to bring in a part-time assistant to handle these aspects.This change freed me to improve guest experiences and find new methods to promote Nirvana Homes. My assistant brought fresh ideas to streamline the booking process, improving efficiency and guest satisfaction.