You can’t deny the draw of the seas. The siren’s call that has been a beacon for seafarers through the centuries. And today’s modern world leads to a very different sea-based lifestyle than those known by our ancestors. There are a variety of career paths that can take your life on the open sea, including marine fabrication and manufacturing. But how can you ensure that your work at sea can remain engaging and not stressful? Here are 5 tips to reduce stress at sea.
1. Stop buying into the rat race.
Experts suggest that one of the leading causes of stress among sea-based employee is the myth of the rat race. The idea that the entire process is a competition for resources can lead to undue stress on the heart and emotional health. It can be impossible to control outside forces, but individuals can control their own reactions. And keeping a positive outlook can be healthier
2. Learn to listen effectively.
Humans, whether we’re working on a boat or not, have a tendency to avoid listening to others. We often listen only long enough to form a response and then wait for our turn to speak. But listening to others can not only help reduce their stress but ours as well. A good listener is often better at solving and avoiding conflict and can become a trusted resource for others.
3. Avoid procrastination.
Everyone is guilty of procrastinating from time to time. But too much procrastination can lead to rushing and stressing when important tasks are due. But it is important to note that people don’t procrastinate with things they enjoy doing. So before you can solve the procrastination problem, look at the tasks you find yourself putting off and determine how you can approach them differently to avoid the feeling of dread.
4. Stay away from negativity.
No matter how hard you try, you’ll find coworkers who are more focused on the negative than the positive. But this energy can really drag everyone else down. So even if you come across negative attitudes early in your shift, make an active effort to avoid giving in. One great technique is to listen to the negative story. As they share how awful the situation was for them, ask “and then what happened?” It can change the course of the discussion completely.
5. Don’t give in to your own ego.
Finally, it is essential that you recognize that teamwork is an essential part of success for marine workers. And if you’re not willing to let go of control in even the smallest of ways, you can find yourself butting heads with everyone else on the ship. Your ego is an established part of your personality, but that doesn’t mean you have to give into its nature every time.
Work with a leader in shipyard staffing.
Do you want to know more ways to avoid stress at your next marine job? Contact leaders in shipyard staffing at Hutco to learn more today.
