Ben Tyler, Claims Manager, London P&I Club, explains that wellness means different things to different people, but ultimately involves prioritizing one’s health and engaging in activities that improve personal well-being. He emphasizes the importance of investing in quality sleep, noting that he feels much better since purchasing a new bed, experiencing fewer aches and pains as a result.
While acknowledging the significance of technology and social media for seafarers, Ben encourages stakeholders to recognize the potential negative effects and stress associated with excessive use. He suggests promoting a balanced approach that includes fostering social interaction and building relationships among crew members of all ranks. Additionally, he advocates for the establishment of mobile-free zones or designated times in the workplace to allow individuals to disconnect and clear their minds, which is essential for overall well-being.
SAFETY4SEA: What does ‘wellness’ mean to you? What do you do in your every day life to embrace wellness?
Ben Tyler: For me wellness isn’t a single definable thing. It’s a combination of physical and mental health and understanding the two things go hand-in-hand. It can be simple things like going for a run to clear your mind, or ensuring you get a good night’s sleep so you feel fresh for the day ahead. It can also be talking with someone so you don’t feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. It can be any number of things, but it includes prioritising your health and doing things that make you feel a little bit better about yourself.
S4S: What are the two things to do that can make you feel happy after a challenging day?
B.T.: First and foremost, have a chat with the kids about their day. You can’t help but smile and feel better when a six year old tells you about all the important things he’s done or the girl he is going to marry! Second, put some Metallica on full-bast! It’s oddly calming and proof to me that silence is not always golden.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile wellbeing investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
B.T.: Without a shadow of a doubt, buying our new bed. After months of back aches, headaches and many restless nights I decided to splash out on a new mattress (memory foam and spring) and new pillows. I haven’t looked back. Now I sleep better, am more well-rested and have fewer aches and pains. A good night’s sleep is so important for our general wellbeing.
S4S: What do you do to keep balance between your personal and business life?
B.T.: Insofar as possible, in our house we try to ensure that ‘work talk’ stays at the office. Home is time for family and we try to keep it that way. I also try to resist the urge check my mobile too frequently or make work for myself.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your personal life?
B.T.: I try to cook for the family every Sunday. I like to put on a podcast whilst I’m pottering about in the kitchen trying new things. I really enjoy spending time on food for them; I get a lot of happiness out of making it and the time we spend together at the table.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape with regards to wellbeing?
B.T.: Technology and social media is of huge importance to seafarers, for whom it can sometimes feel the only way to stay in contact with friends and family back home but I think it’s crucial to understand the pitfalls and stresses of social media and highlight the need for a balance, social interaction and relationship-building between crew members of all ranks.
S4S: What wellness-promoting initiatives would you like to see in the workplace?
B.T.: Mobile-free zones/times. It can feel great to take half an hour to clear your head and ‘disconnect’.
S4S: What is the one thing that you are feeling grateful at the moment?
B.T.: My wife and kids.
S4S: What are your hobbies/favorite activities?
B.T.: The extrovert in me loves a loud metal concert, the introvert in me loves to just lie on the sofa reading a book. I love to cook, too. I’m no Jamie Oliver but I like to have a go.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
B.T.: For me, it’s more a ‘motto to live by’: be nice. It’s easy to do and no-one has ever felt worse off for it!
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
