Mental and Physical Fortitude: Preparing for a Life at Sea
Working at sea requires a massive amount of mental and physical preparation. The reality of being on a floating vessel with the same group of people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, is not for everyone. However, I know it is exactly where I am meant to be. As I actively look for my next role as a junior or third stewardess, I have been focusing on the habits that will keep me grounded during the busiest charters. And these are my top tips and tricks to do just that!!
Fitness as a Mental Anchor
For me, the most significant factor in staying sane is fitness. It does not always need to be an intense workout where I am dripping sweat. Sometimes, simply walking a few laps on the deck or committing to a ten minute stretch is life changing. A little stretch in bed every morning is a perfect bare minimum step to start creating more of a habit.
I am currently in the process of obtaining my mat pilates and yoga certification. I would love to be able to use this skill set to help my coworkers or even guests stay in tune with their bodies. In an industry that is so physically demanding, teaching others how to maintain their mobility and stay “young” is a contribution I am very excited to bring to a crew.
The Power of Resilience and Reflection
Resilience is all about keeping your mind sharp and your emotions in order. I recently noticed a trend in the yachting industry where stewardesses were showing themselves journaling on the helm of the boat. While some people might think journaling is a bit “wishy washy,” I have come to realize how essential it is. Seeing your thoughts in physical form and being able to look back at your past thoughts is healing.
When you have very little alone time, having a private book where you can work through your personal thoughts is crucial. Keeping track of small moments of gratitude, or even documenting the times you felt overwhelmed, allows you to look back and grow from those experiences. It turns a bad day into more of a learning lesson.
Navigating Teamwork in Tight Spaces
Teamwork is a “no brainer” when you are working in such confined quarters. I always try to remember how far a simple act of kindness goes. If a coworker is being rude or short tempered, I have learned that it usually has nothing to do with me and everything to do with whatever they are battling internally.
Not everything is about you.
Everyone has bad moods and difficult days. In those moments, there is truly nothing you can do but offer them grace. Maintaining a positive attitude is not just about your own happiness. It is about contributing to the collective morale of the entire interior department.
The Comfort of Routine
One small thing that helps me stay anchored is maintaining a strict routine. Even if it is something as simple as a consistent skincare routine, it provides a sense of accountability. Having that one small part of the day that belongs only to you helps you feel organized and in control, even when the charter schedule is chaotic. As I hunt for my next position, these are the standards I am bringing with me to ensure I am the most reliable and resilient stewardess I can be.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning into the yachting world is about more than just having the right certificates. It is about having the right mindset. By prioritizing my physical health and mental clarity now, I am ensuring that I can give my absolute best to my future team and guests.
Are you currently hiring for an interior team, or are you a fellow stew looking to swap wellness tips? I would love to connect in the comments below!