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Permalink Reply by Rachel Jepsen on September 10, 2009 at 2:12pm

I have similar interests as well! I can't really help too much but I'm glad you started this conversation.
I read in a Barista magazine once tips for exercises and it seemed to have self care tips for Barista's as well. I haven't been able to find that particular magazine since, but a little online research could probably dig it up. What I do to not to let customers get me down is to try and teach each customer a little tidbit about coffee every day, and doing so I learn more myself.
Definitely get feedback on drinks and customer service by talking with customers. Its a good way not to let yourself get to caught up in "snooty" attitudes that sometimes come when customers don't know how to order drinks properly.
And days off are DAYS OFF.

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Permalink Reply by Dallas Fowler on September 10, 2009 at 3:01pm

Wrist stretches! Just ask your doctor. Or look them up online. If you have any friends who are or if you see a physical therapists, pick their brain for tips. Drink a lot of water during your shift to offset caffeine buzz (this will help your temperament with customers, too.) Keep a healthy diet, don't drink too much alcohol, and remember not to take any comments, critiques or criticisms personally with either customers or co-workers.

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Permalink Reply by Liz on September 10, 2009 at 6:25pm

Find a good massage therapist & become friends w/ them!!! Your tired feet & back will thank you & if you manage to find one that really knows what they're doing, it can help your overall health, as well. And have friends outside the business. Noone wants to 'talk shop' all the time. You need people w/ whom you can be yourself & explore other adventures outside of the wonderful adventure that is coffee. :)

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Permalink Reply by Sara Appleyard-Pekich on September 10, 2009 at 7:02pm

Rachel-
I found the Barista Mag you are discussing! It is in the Feb/March 08 mag! It is a great article.
I def also agree about talking too and getting to know your customers. For our shop our customers become a big part of our community and it is often out of our customer base we gather our best baristas.

Thanks Dallas and Liz for your great insights!

Another question, how does relationships with other staff members play into care for yourself?

Rachel Jepsen said:

I have similar interests as well! I can't really help too much but I'm glad you started this conversation.
I read in a Barista magazine once tips for exercises and it seemed to have self care tips for Barista's as well. I haven't been able to find that particular magazine since, but a little online research could probably dig it up. What I do to not to let customers get me down is to try and teach each customer a little tidbit about coffee every day, and doing so I learn more myself.
Definitely get feedback on drinks and customer service by talking with customers. Its a good way not to let yourself get to caught up in "snooty" attitudes that sometimes come when customers don't know how to order drinks properly.
And days off are DAYS OFF.

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Permalink Reply by Wayne Oberholzer on September 11, 2009 at 7:03am

Garlic Pills. Yes I know it sounds crazy and weird. But i swear they work. Get the odourless ones. Remember that caffeine effects your adrenal gland. This realises adrenalin as well as dopamene. Being a dominant hormone your body is forced into fight or flight mode. you will then get the stomach cramps ect from the caffeine. Garlic counters the effects of adrenalin, thus helping with the stomach and jitters. As well as stick to espressi. The milk in a cappa is what keep the caffeine in your system for longer.

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Permalink Reply by Sara Appleyard-Pekich on September 11, 2009 at 12:03pm

Thanks Wayne!
I never would have thought about garlic pills! Can you just pick them up at a drug store?


Wayne Oberholzer said:

Garlic Pills. Yes I know it sounds crazy and weird. But i swear they work. Get the odourless ones. Remember that caffeine effects your adrenal gland. This realises adrenalin as well as dopamene. Being a dominant hormone your body is forced into fight or flight mode. you will then get the stomach cramps ect from the caffeine. Garlic counters the effects of adrenalin, thus helping with the stomach and jitters. As well as stick to espressi. The milk in a cappa is what keep the caffeine in your system for longer.

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Permalink Reply by Jared Rutledge on September 11, 2009 at 7:07pm

go to the gym. exercise makes a massive difference in how you feel.

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Permalink Reply by Terika on September 11, 2009 at 7:42pm

Sara! Something I picked up this summer was a good set of arch supports. It has made a huge difference in how my whole body feels after long shift on the floor. Chucks just don't cut it anymore. ;) I went to Max Lokers at Lokers Shoes and he set me up with a great pair that I can put in any of my shoes...they are a life saver!

My other recommendation is to stretch your legs a lot. Many people experience lower back pain just due to their hamstrings being tight. :)

Let me know what else you find out!

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Permalink Reply by Rachel Jepsen on September 12, 2009 at 7:51pm

Wow! good job at finding that article! Maybe you could find that one that had how caffeine/coffee affects your health. Quite the article, but again, I can't find it. It may even be in a different magazine......maybe specialty coffee retailer/coffee talk/roast.
Your second question is tough for me. Sometimes I think it may be a bad thing that I work with all my friends, but who else spends that much time around me?

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Permalink Reply by Ryan L Santellan on September 18, 2009 at 1:11pm

I find it helps to get to your shop 5-10 minutes early to just get yourself mentally ready for work. Often stress can cause more pain then anything actually wrong. I go to the bathroom, check for notes, get my drink ready and just breath a second before actually hopping on the bar to work and it helps alot.

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