Heart • Body • Mind • Soul:  2025 Wishes

The practice of making New Year’s resolutions has a long history loaded with symbolism and embraced by multiple cultures. It is the ideal moment to renew our spirits and hopes, set aside any negative feelings, and make room for positivity and next year’s good vibes.

Different groups, such as the Romani people, have long had rituals related to purification, optimism, renewal, and aspirations for a better future. Nowadays, we practice writing a list of resolutions for the upcoming year.

This 2025, we invite you to join us in seeking the true meaning of wellness, regardless of our health or age, with a mindset that if we feel good about ourselves, it will manifest externally.

A Recipe for Well-being: Balance Behind (and Beyond) the Bar

We know your shifts are long, that your energy gets depleted at the bar, and that the environment is highly chaotic. The intense rhythm of our field, long nights, and emotional baggage we accumulate from being the confidants of our clients are more than enough reasons to make well-being crucial, not only for the body, but also for the mind, spirit, and environment. Here are some tips that can become healthy resolutions for 2025:

Emotional Well-being: You Go First

Since your work is literally serving others, you may be putting aside your emotional well-being. Don’t forget that stress and anxiety can accumulate and have physical effects, leading to problems with breathing, tension in the back and neck, and many sleepless nights. Be careful. These are not merely occupational hazards; they are signs of trouble.

Here’s a tip for the bar: between shifts, make sure to take time to practice deep breathing or mindfulness. Take short breaks, breathe slowly, and return to work intently. Emotional balance is like preparing the perfect cocktail in that a bit of extra effort can make a huge difference.

Social Well-being: Beyond the “Bar Family”

Yes, our works are blessed by camaraderie, but building meaningful relationships outside of work is also essential. Loneliness, even in crowded spaces, can be as damaging as smoking.

Here’s a hack: Extend your network by joining communities of bartenders or attending mixology events. This will boost your sense of well-being and your career.

Physical Well-being: Keep Moving (Even When Standing)

Long hours of standing up for work can make physical well-being seem unattainable, but working toward it is essential for balance. Incorporating short, functional exercises will strengthen your posture and core.

If you start your shift by stretching your body, particularly your shoulders and lower back, and if you take quick walks and hydrate during your breaks, you will notice you are more alert and have better resistance for those intense shifts.

Intellectual Well-being: Feed Your Knowledge (and Grow)

To learn a new recipe, technique, or trend should be an essential part of your list of resolutions for 2025. This will support your intellectual well-being.

Keeping an active mind prevents exhaustion and inspires creativity, so here’s a challenge: take a deep dive into the history of tequila, immerse yourself in the world of agave spirits, learn about the chemistry behind a Perfect Margarita, or join a contest, such as the upcoming Altos Tahona Society Competition. By continuously learning new things and challenging yourself, you will enrich both your work and your mind.

Environmental Well-being: Beyond Cleaning the Bar

Some of the chemicals used for cleaning a bar can have a negative impact on your health. Ventilation is your best ally. Make sure your work area has enough air flow before you use it. At home, try using eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce exposure to toxins.

Spiritual Well-being: Finding Your Flow

When we say spirituality, we don’t mean anything religious. We talk about a sense of purpose and the moments of reflection that help us renew our energy.

For 2025, try practicing Zen at the bar. Zen is associated with tranquility, simplicity, and balance. It is used to describe environments or activities that promote inner peace and mental clarity. We encourage you to practice routines such as mise en place, which means putting everything in its place. It is a meditative practice.


Another tip is to focus on the rhythm of your work and on the satisfaction of every small achievement throughout the shift.

So, there you have it: looking after your well-being will boost your work. It will also inspire your clients and colleagues. After all, the best cocktails are those served with a pinch of balance and vitality. Here’s to your well-being for 2025!