While the ocean is typically fascinating to most with many often praising the ocean’s beauty and admiration of seafarers’ ability to tour around the world as part of their job, some seafarers may feel like the same water, waves, sunsets and sunrises are duller now. After all, seafarers spend every day at sea, and it becomes a daily routine.

If you find yourself in the same monotony while on board, here’s an article that hopefully changes your mind. Let us delve into the power of nature on human wellness, and specifically nature at sea.

There is a reason why ancient therapy methods that dated centuries back continue to be relevant like sound therapy, aroma therapy, meditation, energy healing, and more. Nature and humans are interconnected especially since we originated from it.

Seafarers have a rich and natural resource that helps us to reconnect with our surroundings and enhance our well-being—the sea.

The gushing waves, the soothing wind, and the open ocean that can be seen through with your eyes and felt through your senses have a profound impact on your mind, body and soul.

You would have come across meditative music and it typically involves waves sound, wind blowing, bird chirping, etc. While it is a mock experience for others, you experience it in reality and daily. Many perfumes and fresheners also have soothing scents like the ocean, but on board, you have the fresh smell of the ocean the moment you step out onto the deck.

Let us look at the ways that you, as a seafarer, can make use of your surroundings to positively enhance your well-being:

1. Mindful breathing with the ocean’s rhythm

  • Look for a quiet place on board that’s quiet where you can sit or stand without being disturbed.
  • As you listen to the ocean waves, breathe in with the rise and exhale with the fall of the waves.
  • This technique is helpful when you are experiencing anxiety or self-detachment.

2. Sea-breeze breathing

  • It is a scientific fact that the air near the sea is rich in negative ions, they help to reduce stress and mood concerns.
  • Taking deep breaths of fresh air at sea will help you feel more relaxed.

3. Ocean-inspired movement

  • Movement is a therapy, and the sound of the ocean is the best accompaniment. If you are into activities like yoga, free-style dance or tai-chi, instead of using your usual music, you can try attempting it to the sound of the ocean waves. You can mirror the fluidity of the water; this helps you get rid of rigidness and increase your imagination power as you mimic the waves.

4. Immersing in the visual blue space

  • Blue spaces (like the water bodies) have been found to accelerate mental recovery for stress.
  • When you feel overworked, mentally tired or physically strained, placing yourself at a quiet place on board and simply soaking in the view of the vast ocean horizon can help.
  • Looking around, smelling the air, feeling the soothing breeze, and inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth allows you to be in the moment and reflect on what you are going through.

Nature is known to be the best teacher and working within the space of nature can have a positive impact on your well-being.

If you or someone you know are struggling with their experience on board, please feel free to reach out to the in-house counsellors, Ms. Harshali Kotekar (hr2@executiveship.com) and Ms. Glenda D’Silva (welfare2@samundra.com).