Teressa Siu is an enrichment speaker and international wellness expert. Here she offers valuable tips to seafarers for heath and contentment while at sea
For three busy years, I have been hopping on and off cruise ships with the aim of enriching the well-being of thousands of holidaying passengers. While onboard, in the course of my work, I have had the honour of meeting many seafarers of all ranks, duties, race and nationalities. With each encounter and each conversation, I have been encouraged to reflect deeply on their lives at sea. To me they are brave spirits prepared to leave their families behind for unknown adventures, and often with the hope that they can create better lives for those families. But life at sea has its own particular problems.
It is a different life with different strokes. Most seafarers I have met or interviewed, endure long work hours, odd shifts, experience sleep deprivation, limited exercise and limited access to the so-called normal life. The confines in which they work at sea and could potentially lead to claustrophobia, insecurity, mood swings and limited social interaction.
Living on a vessel for long periods of time does not necessarily equate to what you might call a home from home. Seafarers await their homecoming in between contracts.
Each time I embark on my scheduled voyages, I’m eager to offer something – comfort food, comforting conversation, a smile and a hug. It works miraculously. Someone like me could make a difference. I learned they need an outlet to share their joy, grievances and adventures, to gain a different kind of attention. One crew member told me, ‘It’s very comforting to know that someone is thinking of me’. I was touched that by simply being present, added sparkles to her routine journey at sea.
Three things seafarers are guaranteed onboard: themselves, the monstrous sea and colleagues These are connections and tools to create work-life-balance in a home away from home. It would be gold if every seafarer could live a less stressful life with a sound mindset and physical health through self-care. Apart from employer support, each seafarer can take a proactive approach to ensure his or her own happiness and well-being.
Here’s some self-care/wellness ideas that can be conducive to life at sea.
Source:hongkongmaritimehub
The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.
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