Jacob Damgaard, Divisional Director, Head of Loss Prevention, Britannia P&I Club, highlights the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and acknowledges that he has noticed changes in himself when he began eating better, living more sustainably, and engaging in different forms of exercise.
Jacob argues that even small adjustments to our way of life can have a significant impact and anticipates further advancements in crew welfare. Among other things, a key priority would be to ensure onboard proper gym equipment and healthy diet,
SAFETY4SEA: What does ‘wellness’ mean to you? What do you do in your every day life to embrace wellness?
Jacob Damgaard: Wellness means everything to me. A healthy lifestyle gives me the energy and surplus needed to overcome both work and life challenges without the concerns of “burning out”.
S4S: What are the two things to do that can make you feel happy after a challenging day?
J.D.: A good long brisk walk and in general being outside always makes me happy – unless I get caught in the rain
S4S: What is the most worthwhile wellbeing investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
J.D.: I cut out alcohol from my diet more than a year ago and it has been absolutely worth it. I sleep better, lost weight and just more focused.
S4S: What do you do to keep balance between your personal and business life?
J.D.: Being Danish I been grown up with the importance of a healthy work/life balance. I try to foresee and plan the week to come so I can best balance both my work hours with my time off.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your personal life?
J.D.: Eating and living healthier combined with various types of exercise
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape with regards to wellbeing?
J.D.: I would like to see more focus on crew’s welfare, and this includes proper gym equipment and healthy diet. A lot of improvements have happened within these areas over the last decade but more is still needed.
S4S: What is the one thing that you are feeling grateful at the moment?
J.D.: Having the time and opportunity to do the things I love.
S4S: What are your hobbies/ favorite activities?
J.D.: Hiking, tennis and bicycling and then also trying to learn golf – but I still have long way to go:)
S4S: What is your personal motto?
J.D.: Keep it simple – that also goes for wellness, often it can be just minor changes to your lifestyle that makes the difference.
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.
