Health and Wellbeing

We all have a need for connection. We are social animals and can feel isolated and alone without meaningful connections to others. This is especially true for seafarers who spend months away from family and friends. The isolation of life at sea can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, in fact, studies have shown seafarers have a higher risk of developing mental health problems than the general population.

It is an age-old adage, you are what you think. As a person, your thinking significantly impacts how you perceive and respond to life's challenges. Your thoughts shape your attitude, affecting everything from morale to safety at work. Do we become what we think?... the answer is yes. Our thoughts shape our choices and decisions determining our behavior and who we become.

'Mindfulness' has become a popular phrase in the last few years. Everyone says how it is beneficial to our wellbeing. However, it can be confusing to know what mindfulness actually is and how it can help us...
- Do I need to sit down in a certain position?
- Do I need a special mindfulness cushion?
- Is it the same as meditation?

We will answer all of these questions and more, as we break down what 'mindfulness' actually is, and how we can bring it into our busy schedules. This course is important for everyone as it adds crucial skills to assist us with our mental health & wellbeing.

In this course, we will discuss insomnia among seafarers, the causes of insomnia, and strategies that seafarers can use to manage or overcome it. Some of the strategies discussed include establishing a regular routine, engaging in relaxation exercises, using natural remedies and exercising regularly.

Resilience is important to seafarers as it allows us to react in a healthy way to stressful situations. This, in turn, increases our decision-making capability when prevented by stressful situations. Making good decisions will always increase safety and lead to fewer accidents or incidents onboard.

This course is designed to help you find ways to mentally refresh after a stressful day at work. The course provides 9 tips on how to de-stress and relax for emotional well-being and improved work performance.

This course addresses the issue of digital stress and addiction we face due to the increased use of digital technology. The course explores what digital stress and addiction are, how they affect people, and how to manage them.

Seafarers are not immune to the negative effects of stress. In fact, the demanding nature of work and being away from their families make them more prone to stress, which when not managed properly can become a safety hazard. Thus, it is within the best interest of not only the individuals experiencing the stress, but also their peers, their leaders, and their employers to ensure that stress is limited to levels that are productive and beneficial.

The human element is a key component contributing to the safety of life onboard ships and unfortunately, it is also one of the main contributors to a large number of casualties in the maritime industry. This can only be made worse by bad human relations onboard. Therefore, human relations and social responsibilities work hand in hand to mitigate casualties and incidents, by ensuring that the seafarers are in a happy working environment resulting in proper communication and good and effective teamwork.

Gratitude is a powerful practice that can positively transform one's life and well-being. Expressing gratitude has been found to improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhancing overall well-being, improving self-esteem, and increasing resilience. It also fosters better relationships by promoting appreciation, kindness, and forgiveness, leading to stronger connections.

We all experience negative thoughts and emotions from time to time. Whether it's anger, sadness, anxiety, or stress, these emotions can be challenging to deal with and can often leave us feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

This short course aims to provide seafarers with a basic understanding of the dangers associated with smoking and its impact on their health and well-being.