The sudden onset of Covid-19 and the unprecedented impact on our lives whether we are on a lockdown at home, stranded at sea, working in the first line, or on furlough can take an emotional toll on all of us. The experience of living through this outbreak will daunt us for a while, even after we return to some kind of normalcy. Being proactive and protecting our mental health is a priority that we all need to address.
As humans, we seek for comfort, which is also why it's so hard to let it go. Our comfort zone is our natural, neutral state; a place where stress and anxiety are minimal, where we know what is coming next and can plan accordingly. While staying in our comfort zone can result in consistent, steady performance, stepping out of it can create the conditions for optimal performance.
Mental health is a key issue for every workplace, including seafaring which is characterized by increased workload and isolation. WHO defines mental health "as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community."