For Sanjam Gupta, Founder, Maritime SheEO, wellness transcends mere physical health; it encompasses the harmonious integration of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Sanjam actively pursues a balanced lifestyle through a nourishing diet, regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and fostering positive relationships.
When faced with challenging days, Sanjam finds solace in physical activity and quality time with loved ones, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Reflecting on her personal journey, she highlights the transformative impact of investing time in meditation and self-reflection. Addressing the maritime landscape, Sanjam advocates for a stronger focus on mental health support and awareness, suggesting initiatives such as flexible scheduling and mental health counseling in workplaces.
SAFETY4SEA: What does ‘wellness’ mean to you? What do you do in your everyday life to embrace wellness?
Sanjam Gupta: To me, wellness is the harmonious integration of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It goes beyond just the absence of illness and involves actively pursuing activities and choices that contribute to a healthy and fulfilling life. In my everyday life, I embrace wellness through a balanced diet, regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and fostering positive relationships.
S4S: What are the two things to do that can make you feel happy after a challenging day?
S.G.: After a challenging day, two things that reliably bring me happiness are engaging in physical activity, whether it’s a workout or a calming walk, and spending quality time with loved ones. Exercise helps clear my mind, and the support of family and friends provides a sense of connection and comfort.
S4S: What is the most worthwhile well-being investment (in energy, time, money) you’ve ever made?
S.G.: The most worthwhile well-being investment I’ve made is dedicating time and effort to personal development through regular meditation and self-reflection. Investing in my mental and emotional well-being has positively impacted every aspect of my life, enhancing my resilience and ability to navigate challenges.
S4S: What do you do to keep a balance between your personal and business life?
S.G.: I’m a work a holic that takes immense pleasure in my work but I realise that maintaining a balance between personal and business life is crucial for overall well-being. I still feel I need to work on maintaining boundaries and saying No. Its an ongoing process. However I am working towards prioritising effective time management, setting clear boundaries, and making time for activities that bring me joy outside of work.
S4S: In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour, or habit has most improved your personal life?
S.G.: Over the last five years, especially during covid , adopting a daily gratitude and prayer practice has significantly improved my personal life. Focusing on the positive aspects of each day has shifted my perspective, fostering a more optimistic and appreciative mindset.
S4S: What would you like to change in the current maritime landscape with regard to wellbeing?
S.G.: In the current maritime landscape, I would like to see a stronger emphasis on mental health support and awareness. Implementing programs that address the unique challenges faced by maritime professionals, such as isolation and extended periods away from home, could contribute to a healthier and more resilient workforce.
S4S: What wellness-promoting initiatives would you like to see in the workplace?
S.G.: I believe workplaces should prioritize initiatives that promote a healthy work-life balance, including flexible scheduling, providing mental health counselling to all, and wellness programs. Creating a supportive environment where employees feel valued and encouraged to prioritize their well-being can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
S4S: What is the one thing that you are feeling grateful at the moment?
S.G.: At the moment, I’m feeling grateful for God’s blessings -good health of my family and the fact that we are united with a great bond. I am blessed for the strong support system of friends and family in my life. Their encouragement and understanding provide a foundation of positivity that helps me navigate both challenges and successes.
S4S: What are your hobbies/ favourite activities?
S.G.: My hobbies include reading and spending time with my toddler nephews. Reading helps me relax after a long day and playing with my nephews makes me appreciate the innocence that kids have.
S4S: What is your personal motto?
S.G.: “Embrace the journey, appreciate the moments.” This motto reminds me to find joy in the present, learn from every experience, and maintain a positive outlook even in the face of challenges.
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.
