Life on a superyacht is glamorous, exhilarating, and offers the chance to travel the world. But, the job comes with long hours, high expectations, and limited personal space, which can take a toll on your physical and mental health. To thrive in this demanding environment, it’s essential to prioritise your wellbeing. What does it even mean and where do you start?
Here are some wellbeing basics tailored specifically for busy superyacht crew.
Understanding Wellbeing
Wellbeing encompasses more than just your physical health; it includes mental, emotional, and social dimensions. For superyacht crew, maintaining a holistic approach to wellbeing is crucial. This means taking proactive steps to ensure you’re not just surviving but thriving in your role.
Prioritise Physical Health
1. Regular Exercise: Staying active is non-negotiable. Regular exercise boosts energy levels, relieves stress, and prevents injuries. Incorporate a mix of cardiovascular training, strength training, and flexibility exercises into your routine.
- Cardiovascular Training: Activities like running, swimming, or cycling can help build stamina and improve heart health.
- Strength Training: Exercises such as lifting weights or using resistance bands enhance physical strength and core stability, essential for handling the physical demands of the job.
- Flexibility Exercises: Practices like yoga or stretching can improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and prevent injuries.
Here are our Top 10 & Workouts for Limited Space
2. Healthy Nutrition: Fuelling your body with the right nutrients is key to maintaining energy and overall health.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased performance.
- Balanced Diet: Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to ensure you’re getting the necessary vitamins and minerals.
- Healthy Snacks: Keep nutritious snacks like nuts, fruits, and yogurt on hand to maintain energy levels between meals.
Read our top nutrition tips here!
3. Quality Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for recovery and overall health. If possible aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night, or as often as you can.
- Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Ensure your sleeping area is cool, dark, and quiet. Reduce your alcohol and caffeine in take and try not to use devices right before you sleep.
- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on your days off.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to manage stress and improve focus.
- Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises to calm your mind.
- Mindfulness: Focus on being present in the moment, whether you’re working or relaxing. This can help reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
Learn more about the powers of breathwork here.
2. Positive Mindset: Cultivating a positive mindset can significantly impact your mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Daily Affirmations: Start your day with positive affirmations to boost your confidence and outlook.
- Growth Mindset: View challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth.
3. Emotional Support: Building strong relationships and seeking emotional support when needed is crucial.
- Communicate Openly: Create an environment where it’s okay to talk about feelings and concerns. Open communication can help everyone stay positive and motivated.
- Support Network: Connect with fellow crew members and create a support network. Having someone to talk to can significantly reduce stress.
- Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or need additional support. Utilise mental health resources available to you or get in touch with us!
Social Wellbeing
1. Cultivate Team Camaraderie: Strong social bonds among crew members can enhance overall wellbeing.
- Team Activities: Engage in group workouts or recreational activities to build camaraderie and relieve stress.
- Social Events: Organise or participate in social events or game nights to build a sense of fun, community and relaxation.
2. Implement a Buddy System: A buddy system can help ensure that crew members look out for each other’s wellbeing.
- Regular Check-Ins: Regularly check in with your buddy about how you’re feeling.
- Support and Encouragement: Offer support and encouragement to each other.
- Open Communication: Foster an environment where it’s okay to talk about mental and physical health.
Utilising Available Resources
1. Superyacht Fitness App: Make use of available resources such as the Superyacht Fitness app, designed to provide crew members with essential coping skills and enhance their overall wellbeing.
- Personalised Workout Plans: Access tailored workout plans that fit your schedule and fitness level.
- Mental Health Resources: Utilise resources aimed at improving mental health, including meditation guides and stress management tips.
- Nutrition Guidance: Follow nutritional advice to ensure you’re fuelling your body correctly.
2. Professional Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals or use available helplines if you need additional support.
Wellbeing is a multifaceted concept that requires a holistic approach, especially for superyacht crew members dealing with the high-pressure environment of busy charter seasons. By prioritising physical health, maintaining mental and emotional balance, fostering social connections, and utilising available resources, you can ensure you’re not just surviving, but thriving in your role. Wellbeing is crucial to your performance and build career satisfaction. Investing time in self-care is not just beneficial for you, but also for the entire team.