We are excited to introduce our new special column, titled ‘Wellness Corner’ that hosts industry experts’ feedback, presenting briefly an overview of their lifestyle to motivate us with wellness tips and suggestions.
Everyone has stressful and long days, but what makes one ready to tackle on the day, is good rest, says Capt. Yves Vandenborn, Director of Loss Prevention, NorthStandard Club. When it comes to the maritime industry, it is imperative that the upper management at shore understands the dynamics of the lifestyle of crew at sea and introduce initiatives that are truly beneficial for seafarers, he says. Furthermore, senior leadership on board must be able to embrace diversity and accommodate cultural and generational differences of an international crew while the key to move forward with wellbeing is to show empathy, Capt. Vandenborn concludes.
SAFETY4EA: What does ‘wellness’ mean to you? What do you do in your every day life to embrace wellness?
Y.V.: It is a holistic approach to living well. For physical wellness I try to take the stairs whenever I can and I taper my meals – heavier in the morning, lighter by the evenings. For mental wellness when I have to destress I turn to watching stand up comedy recordings for a good laugh.
S4S: What are the two things to do that can make you feel happy after a challenging day?
Y.V.: My work brings about many challenges and there are days when I have to make very difficult decisions. When I get home after those days, I need to separate myself from work and enter a different mental space. I do that by taking a long walk around my estate just to quieten down and a bath always helps too.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile wellbeing investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
Y.V.: Everyone has stressful and long days, but what makes one ready to tackle on the day, is good rest. I find that investing in a good quality mattress goes a long way in achieving deep sleep and that is important if I want to be ready for the day ahead.
S4S: What do you do to keep balance between your personal and business life?
Y.V.: With covid forcing many of us to consider alternative working models, many of us have taken to working from home for extended periods of time, and that can blur the boundaries of personal and business life. I too struggle with trying to find a balance, but I try to make a conscious effort in giving my 100% in whatever I am engaged in at that time. While I am working, I try not to be distracted by personal matters. When I am with family and friends, I try to be present in the moment and not check my work emails.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape with regards to wellbeing?
Y.V.: It is imperative that the upper management at shore understands the dynamics of the lifestyle of crew at sea and introduce initiatives that are truly beneficial for seafarers. Senior leadership on board must also be able to embrace diversity and accommodate cultural and generational differences of an international crew – be it working styles, language, cultural norms, expectations etc. Only by empathizing with one another can the maritime industry be able to take the next step in achieving wellbeing for all.
S4S: What is the one thing that you are feeling grateful at the moment?
Y.V.: Despite all the challenges that the maritime industry has experienced thus far, I still see many people passionate in trying to make a difference for the betterment of the industry. So many of us still have that same passion as we did when we first joined shipping, that burning torch within us, is what makes me grateful that I am a part of this community.
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.
