Water. As much as water can quench thirst and satisfy hunger, it can also refuel a seafarer’s energy levels. Although caffeine can boost one’s alertness short-term, a few too many cups of coffee can drain energy in one of two ways – dehydration or disrupted sleep. As well, alcohol can put seafarers into a state of relaxation. Midday drinks, then, are not good for productivity. Too close to bed, however, and alcohol prevents a sound sleep. This is why water trumps all other beverages – there are no drawbacks.
Sleep. Seafarers often confuse exhaustion with sleep deprivation. Sometimes, a correlation does exist, but often the duration of one’s sleep matters less than the quality of that rest. For better nights, avoid napping or going to bed too early. Do activities that will relax or fatigue you half-hour before bed (i.e. read, meditate, exercise) to ease yourself into a good night’s sleep. Even if this means less shut-eye, the quality will be better than if you had a restless sleep.
Food. Healthy living on ships starts with a balanced diet. For natural energy, seafarers should snack on protein and complex carbohydrate-rich foods (i.e. peanut and whole-wheat bread). Such foods take longer for the body to digest, causing seafarers to feel full and energized for longer. In fact, eat a high-fiber, carb-filled breakfast, then snack smartly every few hours for ultimate energy during the day. Keep in mind that vitamins and minerals help too – magnesium plays a major role in energy.
Exercise. Like taking breaks, a few sessions of exercise throughout the day can dramatically increase a seafarer’s energy levels. Even a ten-minute walk or a set of push-ups can do the trick. Whenever possible, walk on the deck or sit outside to relax too. Why? Because a part of healthy living on ships is getting enough vitamins, and the sun gives the body an ample supply of vitamin D. Combined with exercise, you’ll sleep better, feel less stressed, and improve your health overall.
