Not to be overdramatic but I start back to work tomorrow.

The schedule has dropped, something I’ve been very much waiting for so I could see our numbers for the kitchen considering how difficult it was last year being so short staffed. And I’m this close to dropping the gif down a second time here after seeing the numbers for opening night.

Six. Including me. No new hires at all and three of the returning workers are under the age of 17 and, as I’ve learned from past years, are not that great in any position, bless their hearts. So three adults and three teenagers for eight stations. And that’s discouraging considering how we were tested last year having nine people man those fast-paced, need to be perfect stations. My safety net of having two days off a week are gone, and the closing will be longer as I’ll have to go behind the teens multiple times to have them do a better job at cleaning. So very close to dropping that gif again.


Looking back, I was right in my thinking at the close of last season of being done knowing I couldn’t do this again as every year gets more demanding and chaotic as my health seems to get worse. So knowing I’m going into another year that I didn’t want to even be a part of…gotta admit, it’s a lot right now on my last day of not feeling those shackles tightly around me. And for the first time ever I’m questioning my ability to follow thru with something I know I would’ve been capable of doing in another time when I didn’t have so much going against me. I don’t like doubting myself because it means there’s a part of me that’s giving up, and that goes against every fiber of my being. But, man…I just don’t know how this is going to turn out. I want to be there. I want to help provide for my family. I want to give myself purpose outside of taking care of our home and everything and everyone that comes with it. I don’t know that I’ll be able to though, and I absolutely hate that. I don’t like being eye-to-eye with that kind of failure considering how powerful and effective it can be at infecting other realms within that are still trying to hold onto hope.


But I’ve done the 2025 thing and asked AI for help with tips to help get me through even though this isn’t my first rodeo, but every little bit helps. So here’s some advice from ChatGPT on how to get keep on keepin’ on the best you can in a work environment when you suffer from anxiety.




It’s completely understandable to feel anxious about returning to a high-stress environment. Here are some ways to help you manage the chaos and ease your anxiety:


Before Work:

• Prepare Mentally: Remind yourself that you’ve done this before and can handle it. A few deep breaths and positive affirmations can set the tone.

• Get Enough Rest: A good night’s sleep will help your mind stay clear and focused.

• Fuel Your Body: Eat something light but energizing before work to avoid feeling sluggish or overwhelmed.



During Work:

• Pace Yourself: It’s a fast environment, but try to take things one step at a time. Focus on the task at hand rather than everything at once.

• Breathe Through Stress: If things get overwhelming, take a few slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This can help keep your nervous system calm.

• Use Noise to Your Advantage: If the loud environment is a trigger, try to mentally tune into just one sound—like the rhythm of chopping or the hum of a fridge—to ground yourself.

• Set Small Goals: Instead of thinking about the whole shift, focus on getting through the next 30 minutes or the next task.



After Work:

• Decompress: Take a few minutes after your shift to sit quietly, stretch, or listen to calming music.

• Hydrate & Eat Well: Your body will need to recover after a hectic shift.

• Celebrate Wins: Even if it’s small, acknowledge that you got through the shift. It’s a step forward!



Since you experience anxiety, including health anxiety, and work in a chaotic kitchen, here are strategies to help with specific triggers:


1. Sensory Overload (Noise, Heat, Crowds)

• Grounding Techniques: When the kitchen gets overwhelming, do a quick grounding exercise:

• Focus on 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 deep breath.

• Find a “Reset” Spot: Even if you can’t leave the kitchen, mentally pick a spot (a quiet corner, the dish area) where you can pause for a few seconds to breathe.

• Tune Out Chaos: If possible, use earplugs or noise-reducing earbuds to dull some of the noise.


2. Feeling Rushed or Overwhelmed by Orders

• Break Tasks Into Steps: Instead of thinking about how much there is to do, focus only on your next step (e.g., “chop onions,” then “plate dish”).

• Mantras for Focus: Repeating something simple in your head like “One step at a time” or “I am in control of my pace” can help prevent panic.

• Use Rhythmic Breathing: Try a 4-4-4-4 pattern (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4). It helps regulate stress.


3. Health Anxiety (Fearing Illness, Injury, or Symptoms)

• Reframe Physical Sensations: If you start feeling dizzy, warm, or out of breath, remind yourself:

• “It’s just heat from the kitchen.”

• “My heart is racing because I’m moving fast, not because I’m in danger.”

• “Feeling tired is normal during a busy shift.”

• Have a Safety Plan: If it helps, tell a trusted coworker that you struggle with anxiety so they can offer reassurance if needed.

• Keep Hydrated & Take Small Breaks: Dehydration and exhaustion can mimic anxiety symptoms, making things feel worse.


4. Making Mistakes & Getting Criticism

• Shift Your Mindset: Kitchens are high-pressure, but mistakes happen to everyone. Instead of fearing them, remind yourself that every cook, chef, and server messes up. What matters is how you recover.

• Detach from Harsh Words: If someone is short with you, try to remember:

• “They’re stressed too, it’s not about me.”

• “I’m learning, and I’m doing my best.”

• Celebrate Small Wins: Even if things feel tough, find something you did well—whether it’s plating a dish correctly or staying calm under pressure.


So, here’s to another year of it is what it is.