In our special column, ‘Wellness Corner’, Kostas Katsoulieris, Senior Executive (Claims), NorthStandard, believes that wellness encompasses more than just happiness and that eventually, shipping will adopt a more comprehensive strategy for wellbeing as opposed to a piecemeal one.
Kostas emphasises the need of getting enough sleep every night and living in the present. Because of this, he makes an effort to put down his phone and not to reply to messages when he is with his loved ones and family.
SAFETY4SEA: What does ‘wellness’ mean to you? What do you do in your every day life to embrace wellness?
Kostas Katsoulieris: I think to many people it merely means happiness but to me wellness means being healthy (mind and body) as well as trying to be at peace and content with both who we are and how we are. I try to remember to keep things in perspective, to be patient and above all grateful for my life.
S4S: What are the two things to do that can make you feel happy after a challenging day?
K.K.: Coming home and seeing my children. Listening to some good music.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile wellbeing investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
K.K.: For me personally (leaving aside getting married and having a family) it may have to be buying an orthopaedic mattress. Sleep should be about quality as well as quantity.
S4S: What do you do to keep balance between your personal and business life?
K.K.: When out of the office / off work putting the smartphone down and leaving it there (unless called), not reading / replying to all messages. Enjoying my surroundings & being involved in family life.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your personal life?
K.K.: Learning to be more patient about things.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape with regards to wellbeing?
K.K.: Less words and more action. Taking on a more holistic rather than piecemeal approach to wellness.
S4S: What wellness-promoting initiatives would you like to see in the workplace?
K.K.: Quiet rooms (especially needed in open plan offices!), office yoga / pilates, office massages.
S4S: What is the one thing that you are feeling grateful at the moment?
K.K.: My family.
S4S: What are your hobbies/ favorite activities?
K.K.: Listening to music (pre-pandemic a lot of concerts too), reading books (fiction and non-fiction), watching a good movie / series, watching comedy, travel, wine tasting & before children, following baseball. Walking & swimming.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
K.K.: The storms of life eventually blow over.
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.
