How are seafarers faring in an age of mental wellbeing?
There are numerous
types of maritime jobs, ranging from ratings to officers, and from entry-level
cargo ship jobs to marine chief engineer jobs. Your experience may differ
significantly from that of your fellow crew members onboard.
And, as humans, we are
all unique, so what works for one person as a mental health tip may not work
for another. And, while there are challenges to overcome when working in
maritime jobs, one thing is certain: for the right person, life at sea and
working in maritime jobs can be immensely rewarding in ways that a 9 to 5 desk
job cannot be. Follow the tips below:
1. Concentrate on what
makes you happy.
It may sound like
something out of a new-age self-help book, but happiness is essential for a
long and rewarding career in maritime jobs. It's easy to get caught up in the
minutiae of life, so it's worth sitting down with a pen and paper (or the Notes
app on your phone) and making a list of the things you love about your life on
a container ship. Maybe it's the first time you step aboard your vessel, or
maybe it's the chance to travel and get away from the stress and/or boredom of
everyday life on land.
2. Become the best possible sailor you can be.
Maybe you're just
starting out in entry-level ship jobs and need time to adjust to life
onboard a container ship and expand your knowledge so you feel more settled and
at home. You may want to accelerate your maritime career and move up the ranks
as quickly as possible.
You may have spent
years working in marine chief engineer jobs and have decided to look for
shore-based maritime jobs or jobs in ports and shipping offices.
3. Maintain physical fitness in order to maintain mental fitness.
Happiness and physical
and mental health are inextricably linked, and we all know that exercise
releases chemicals in our bodies called endorphins, which make us feel happier.
Therefore, it’s
important that you try not to neglect your workout routine.
4. Get your community on board.
You've finished your
shift and are exhausted. You're working on an entry-level cargo ship and have
no idea how to make friends at sea. You've been at sea for years and have grown
weary. You wish there was something to do, but no one appears to be organizing
anything.
5. Avoid putting too
much pressure on yourself.
Because of the nature
of maritime jobs, life at sea, and supporting your family ashore, you're
probably already under a lot of stress.
Try not to put too much
pressure on yourself. Things that make you happy and improve your mental health
don't have to be earth-shattering occurrences.
6. Stay alert and
listen carefully.
Being alert is an
essential part of your maritime job, including keeping an eye on those
around you. Just as it's critical for you to communicate if you're feeling
down, whether, with family or fellow crew members, it's also critical to watch
for signs that someone else is struggling mentally as well.
Life on a ship entails
taking responsibility for one another, so if you suspect someone you know is exhibiting
signs that their mental health is suffering, don't hesitate to offer support,
either in person or by speaking with a superior.
7. Concentrate on the
future
Being organized is an
important part of maintaining good mental health. When your life is
disorganized, your mind can be as well. Being organized has been shown to
reduce stress levels, and while there isn't much you can do about the physical
organization (tidying up a cluttered house or backyard, for example), there are
things you can do to reduce stress while onboard or traveling to or from your
vessel. You can, for example, reduce your stress by knowing when your next paycheck will arrive. That means planning ahead of time for maritime jobs. When
you've determined your next embarkation date, you'll feel much better knowing
that your family and friends are prepared.
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