How to Beat Stress

Manning and Training How to Beat Stress

Stress can be a blessing in disguise. Even though a certain amount of pressure can be quite helpful and motivating, if we have too much pressure for a long time, we run the risk of a more severe stress reaction. Stress is hidden in most of our everyday activities, so it can easily build up. Therefore, when there is no stress relief, it affects both our physical and mental health, and causes the quality of our life to decline. Below, you will find some useful tips on how to manage your stress, either when you are working on board or when you are ashore with your family and loved ones. Remember, relieving stress can grow into a very pleasant habit and become part of our everyday life.

By Chara Markatzinou, Training Coordinator

Health and self-care are very important in managing stress. Look after your health. Try to plan breaks throughout the year with a change in activities and surroundings where possible. Make looking after yourself top priority.

Organize yourself as best as you can. Being organized will help reduce your stress levels. If you don’t cram too much into the day, you will be able to deal with crises if they arise.

Work may be the problem. If so, what aspects are stressful? Could better time management help? What are your priorities? Could you delegate? Could you get more support? Do you need some training? Should you speak to your manager?

Try not to take on too much. Be realistic about what you can achieve, so set yourself reasonable goals.

Own up to yourself that you are feeling stressed – half the battle is admitting it!

Be in the moment where possible. Focus on the here and now. Don’t dwell on past or future worries as this will increase your stress levels.

Eat a balanced diet. Eat slowly and mindfully, allowing at least half an hour for each meal. Don’t eat on the run or whilst doing another activity.

Alcohol does not help stress. Reduce your alcohol intake if you feel you are drinking as a way to cope with stress.

Time for things you value is vital, including time for yourself. Plan some valued activities in your life. Stress can make us lose sight of what is most important. Make time for what matters most and you will manage your stress better.

Solve problems rather than burying your head in the sand. Write down the problems in your life that may be causing stress, and as many possible solutions as you can. Make a plan to deal with each problem.

Talk things over with a friend or family member or someone else you can trust and share your feelings with. Relationships are key to our resilience.

Relaxation or leisure time each day is important. Use recommended relaxation techniques, or try some new ways to relax such as aromatherapy or reflexology.

Exercising regularly is a great stress buster. At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on five or more occasions per week is excellent for stress control. Walking, running, cycling, dancing, yoga, tennis… It doesn’t matter what the exercise is, but it helps if you enjoy it!

Say no and don’t feel guilty.

Seek professional help if you have tried these things and your stress is still a problem.

Presents for Seamen aboard Company Vessels

During office meetings, it was decided that presents would be delivered to Company vessels that called at Piraeus over the festive season. This token of appreciation took the form of traditional festive season gifts. The boxes with presents, which were packaged for us by Fresh Pastry Shop, included the following: Traditional Greek sweets (i.e. melomakarona & kourampiedes). Cookies decorated with sugar paste Christmas patterns and truffles.

Gifts also included lucky charms with the traditional Greek Christmas symbol of a boat. These were prepared by Floga, the association that provides both help and support for children with cancer and their families. A ‘’Pick your Wish’’ purse, in which small pieces of wood with a wish written on one side, was sent to each vessel . Every Seaman was able to pick his own wish. The wishes were Love, Health, Happiness, Joy & Prosperity.

The presents were greatly appreciated and the Seamen were quick to share their feedback with us. M/T CE-Bermuda Please be informed that all crew received their Greek Xmas sweets and "Pick your wish" bag on 01.01.2021 We collect all crew in Mess Room and give this presents from our Company and "Floga" association in traditional Ukrainian/Russian manner. All crew enjoy of this presents and send best wishes to all. Thank you to make this holiday more bright to us. Please find below photo received from the vessel. M/V Nilos Confirm safe receipt for gifts and appreciate. M/T Pan.Armata Kindly be informed that all crewmembers were very grateful for this unexpected presents and sweets. The "Pick your wish" bag was met with big enthusiasm and crew was happy to receive such "prediction" for following year. This event raised our spirit and make us feel festively. We wish to thank you for your support and beautiful mood. M/T CE-Hamilton Thanks a lot for pleasant gifts received in Greece. - It's very valuable to all us! The team is sending warm greeting from our hearts. We are surprised and very appreciated! Hope this action can support children in needs and everyone who involved. The specific vessel also prepared a handmade thank you card, as seen below:

M/T Captain A. Stellatos On behalf of entire crew we are humbled and grateful for Greek Christmas Sweets and other goodies including "PICK YOUR WISH BAGS". Your thoughtful gesture behind the gifts has been highly Appreciated. We are truly touched beyond word. Once again a big THANKYOU to make our Christmas and New Year Bright and Beautiful.