The heat from rushing around the kitchen takes over your entire body and you feel like a mobile sweat machine – cold showers are a godsend.
Another fast-paced week in the kitchen, I was glad to see that I was getting more into the swing of things and seeing my confidence grow.
I’m a natural introvert and sometimes anything that involves prolonged human interaction terrifies me, but getting to know the staff and children at a steady pace is reassuring.
Though I’ve made a few mistakes over the past few days, I’ve been very grateful that my colleagues have been so understanding. All finger and toes are accounted for.
I’m getting a real feel of how catering works and it’s actually pretty exciting.
Apart from serving up to hundreds of children, I’ve also managed to keep on top of my HAACP training (more on that some other time).
I also managed to peel close to 100kg worth of potatoes!
Do you ever have that aching feeling that runs through your arches and makes its way up through your legs? Believe me, I’ve been there!
From standing around prepping ingredients to bustling around during service, doing 6 or 12-hour shifts can really take its toll on your feet.
With rarely a chance to rest, it’s so important to look after the two things that keep you stable throughout the day.
Here are my top six tips for those with aching feet:
Wear the right shoes
Considering that they’re protecting you from a hard floor; having the right footwear is vitally important. You need to have shoes that allow you to stand for hours on end while offering you comfort and safety. eBay has a handy list of the top 10 shoes for chefs but I tend to stick to trusty Crocs from Nisbets. No need to be fashion conscious in the kitchen!
Consider the sock
One can never have too many socks but it’s definitely best to know which ones will actually go with the shoe to offer you a more cushioned experience. You need a sock with good compression to encourage circulation. Trust me, it’s really worthwhile to invest in at least two pairs of compression socks.
Though normally associated with older people – my Grandad had a pair – compression socks will help the foot when it comes to ankle swelling. You can find them online, from physios or sometimes in pharmacies. Alternatively, if they’re not your thing, head into a sports shop and check out their socks for runners.
Shake it out
Taking a five minute break? Try stretching out those limbs. A simple point and flex exercise can offer relief along with rising slowly on the balls of your feet and gently lowering them down.
I usually do mini-stretches when I’m tackling my 20kgs worth of potatoes!
Sit down during lunch
Though it may be tempting to have a working lunch, if you can, try to nab a chair and enjoy your food. It’s a real opportunity to take the weight off of your feet. Short of chairs? It’s not unreasonable to bring in a small fold-up one and place it somewhere safe while you eat.
Change out of your shoes after work
Because I walk home after a shift, I automatically switch into a new pair – and what a relief it is! Apart from having the amazing feeling of freedom after you take off your shoes, it’s even better when you slip on a fresh pair.
Invest in some Epsom salts
If you have a small basin, some hot water and a sprinkling of Epsom salts, you could have yourself a mini-heaven in a tub! The magnesium in the salt helps your muscles to relax and reduce pain.
Don’t have salts? Place your feet on a rolling pin and roll back and forth or get a tennis ball and place it under your arches (if you’re lucky enough to have a willing significant other, you can ask them for a foot massage!
Do you have any other tips for people who are constantly on their feet? Let me know in the comments below!
I slowly eased my shoes off and threw them as far away from me as possible – my feet were in bits.
As some of you may know, this week I started work in a kitchen based in a family centre. Catering to many young mouths, my job involves a lot of multitasking and a lot of smiles!
Each day we provide babies, wobblers (a new word I learned for babies that are about 1-2 years old), toddlers and pre-schoolers with breakfast and dinner throughout the day, as well as catering to any food specifications they may have.
With a rotating menu that’s open to change, though it may be simple, I reckon the meals would satisfy most tummies – a decent Shepherd’s Pie is tough to beat.
Much to my delight, though I’ve only been here a week, the children are super lovely and even the Pre-Schoolers greet me with a “Hi Úna” and a wave.
Without sounding cheesy, it’s actually such a relief to be back working with a team, where you meet new people but also get to know the regulars. For me, there’s only so much satisfaction that you can get from working at home.
I come home sweaty and tired, but incredibly satisfied and fall into bed as early as I can – Hence why I haven’t been updating my blog as much as I’d like to.
They say that it takes a few weeks for your feet to adjust to standing up all day and I’m sure I’ll get into the swing of things soon.
