ISSUE 12 | MARCH-APRIL 2025 10 A R T I C L E Signs you need it: ●● Feeling overwhelmed by constant noise, alarms, and screens ●● Developing headaches from prolonged exposure to bright lights and loud environments How to recharge: ●● Step away from noisy areas whenever possible ●● Reduce screen exposure during off-hours ●● Spend time on deck, focusing on the natural horizon to reset your senses 3. Emotional Rest Handling disputes among crew members or receiving constant feedback from superiors can be emotionally exhausting. Without emotional rest, even minor interactions can feel overwhelming. Signs you need it: ●● Feeling drained from managing conflicts or workplace tensions ●● Struggling to separate work frustrations from personal well-being How to recharge: BEYOND SLEEP: THE 7 TYPES OF REST YOU ACTUALLY NEED scanning navigational charts, and double-checking coordinates, only to realize you’ve been staring at the same section for minutes without absorbing any information. This is a classic sign of mental fatigue. Signs you need it: ●● Difficulty concentrating on navigational charts ●● Re-reading safety procedures multiple times without retaining information How to recharge: ●● Take short mental breaks during shifts ●● Keep a notepad for quick thoughts to avoid mental overload ●● Practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises 2. Sensory Rest On a modern ship, alarms beep, radios crackle, and screens glow all around you. This relentless sensory input can leave you feeling overstimulated and drained long before your shift ends. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a physician and researcher, identifies seven types of rest essential for replenishing energy. Understanding these different forms of rest is especially crucial in high-stress environments, where clarity, endurance, and wellbeing are non-negotiable. The reality of fatigue at sea Life at sea is demanding. Long shifts, unpredictable weather, and the constant vigilance required for safe navigation mean fatigue is a persistent challenge. From a regulatory standpoint, the STCW seeks to address fatigue—a growing concern in the maritime industry—by setting minimum rest hours for watch personnel while aligning them with the MLC, 2006 provisions. However, here’s the truth: you can sleep for 12 hours straight and still feel exhausted. 1. Mental Rest Imagine standing on the bridge, Many people equate rest with sleep. Yet, despite getting enough hours in bed, they still feel drained. The issue isn’t just a lack of sleep — it’s a lack of the right kind of rest.
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