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.
Mrs Heidi Heseltine, Founder, the Diversity Study Group & CEO, Halcyon Recruitment, admits that the practice of slowing down has improved her personal life immensely. ”The pandemic helped me appreciate the value in not having all my time fully mapped out and ‘going with the flow’ more often.” she says. When it comes to the maritime industry, improving the wellbeing and psychological safety of seafarers is a key priority. Although it is reassuring to see a much greater emphasis being placed on it in recent years, a huge shift in culture and attitude is still required, she notes.
SAFETY4SEA: What does ‘wellness’ mean to you? What do you do in your every day life to embrace wellness?
Heidi Heseltine: Wellness to me is a balance I’m constantly striving to find. I have found that my mental and physical wellbeing are closely linked, with it being hard to have one without the other. When I prioritise my mental health, ensuring it is looked after, my physical wellbeing comes more easily.
S4S: What are the two things to do that can make you feel happy after a challenging day?
H.S.: Challenging days can be extremely draining on your mental health. I find that spending time with those closest to me is particularly grounding and helps keep things in perspective. In addition, getting out for long walks with my dogs brings me joy and I find that to be a great reset.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile wellbeing investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
H.S.: It varies according to what’s going on in my life but overall, I would say learning about myself and what I need for my wellbeing at any one point in time is always a worthwhile investment. Depending on what I require, this can either be exercise or nutrition related, or more focused on personal and professional development.
S4S: What do you do to keep balance between your personal and business life?
H.S.: There are quite blurred lines between my personal and business life. This is largely due to my own choosing because I absolutely love what I do! However, where balance is required, it is important to have dedicated time for each and to maintain these boundaries.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your personal life?
H.S.: In the last five years, the practice of slowing down has improved my personal life immensely. The pandemic helped me appreciate the value in not having all my time fully mapped out and ‘going with the flow’ more often.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape with regards to wellbeing?
H.S.: I think the most urgent change required in the maritime industry is improving the wellbeing and psychological safety of seafarers. Although it is reassuring to see a much greater emphasis being placed on it in recent years, a huge shift in culture and attitude is still required.
S4S: What wellness-promoting initiatives would you like to see in the workplace?
H.S.: In my role at the Diversity Study Group, I am privileged in seeing the huge breadth of initiatives available, as well as exciting new initiatives being developed. The key for me is having wellness initiatives that are relevant, accessible, and well communicated to the workforce, taking into consideration regional differences, for example.
S4S: What is the one thing that you are feeling grateful at the moment?
H.S.: One thing that I am feeling grateful for at the moment is the community I sit within, both personally and professionally. In both spaces I feel well supported, which allows me to do my work and maintain my mental and physical wellbeing.
S4S: What are your hobbies/ favorite activities?
H.S.: I love to travel when I can and, although this is not always easy being in England, being outside, particularly walking the dogs and paddle boarding. I keep wondering if I should try paddle boarding with the dogs but have a feeling that this could get tricky!
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.
