Available Applications To Assist Seafarers In Their Journey
Dealing with the psychological challenges posed by unpredictable work schedules and irregular hours, especially in the context of multi-time zone travels for seafarers, requires a multifaceted approach. Yet, there are various applications designed to assist with many of the challenges presented by irregular work schedules, especially for individuals like seafarers. These apps can help in areas such as sleep management, stress reduction, physical exercise, and general well-being. Here's a breakdown of some app categories and examples that might be relevant:
1. Establish a Consistent Routine: Whenever possible, try to establish a routine within the constraints of the work schedule. Consistency in daily activities, like meals and exercise, can help the body adjust better to irregular sleeping patterns.
Routine and Time Management Apps:
• Trello: Useful for organizing tasks and maintaining routines.
• Shift Work Calendar: Helps manage irregular shift schedules.
2. Effective Sleep Management: Educate seafarers on effective sleep hygiene practices. This includes creating a conducive sleep environment (dark, quiet, and comfortable), avoiding caffeine and heavy meals before sleep, and engaging in relaxing activities prior to bedtime.
Sleep Management Apps:
• Sleep Cycle: Analyzes sleep patterns and wakes you up during your lightest sleep phase, which can be less jarring.
• Calm: Offers guided meditations and sleep stories to help improve sleep quality.
3. Napping Strategies: Encourage short, strategic naps to combat fatigue. A nap of around 20-30 minutes can be refreshing and help mitigate the effects of sleep deprivation without causing grogginess.
4. Shift Work Adaptation: Gradually adjusting work schedules before a change in time zones or shift patterns can help the body acclimatize. Slowly shifting sleep and wake times in the days leading up to a change can reduce the impact on the body's internal clock.
5. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques: Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress and improve sleep quality. These techniques can be particularly helpful in winding down after a demanding shift.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction Apps:
• Headspace: Provides guided meditations and mindfulness exercises.
• Breathe2Relax: A stress management tool focusing on breathing exercises.
6. Physical Exercise: Regular physical activity, even light exercise like walking or stretching, can improve sleep quality and help regulate the body’s circadian rhythms.
Physical Fitness and Exercise Apps:
o MyFitnessPal: Helps track diet and exercise routines.
o 7 Minute Workout: Offers quick, effective workouts that can be done in confined spaces.
7. Dietary Considerations: Consuming a balanced diet and staying hydrated can boost overall health and energy levels. Avoiding heavy, spicy, or fatty foods before bedtime can also aid in better sleep.
Nutrition and Diet Apps:
o My Diet Coach: Offers dietary tracking and meal planning.
o Water Reminder: Helps track water intake, which is important for staying hydrated.
8. Light Exposure Management: Managing exposure to natural and artificial light can help in adjusting the body clock. Exposure to bright light during awake periods and minimizing light exposure during sleep periods can be beneficial.
Light Exposure Management Apps:
• Twilight Adjusts the screen’s light based on the time of day to minimize blue light exposure in the evening.
9. Psychological Support: Providing access to mental health support can help crew members deal with stress, anxiety, or other psychological issues arising from irregular work schedules.
Mental Health and Wellness Apps:
• Talkspace: Provides access to licensed therapists for online counseling.
• Sanvello: Offers techniques for dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression
10. Peer Support and Social Interaction: Encouraging a supportive onboard community where seafarers can share experiences and coping strategies can be beneficial.
Social and Peer Support Apps:
o WhatsApp or Viber or Telegram: For staying connected with family and friends.
o Meetup: Find and connect with groups or individuals who share similar schedules or interests.
11. Professional Development and Training: Offering training sessions on managing the challenges of shift work and irregular schedules, including time management and coping strategies.
These apps can be highly beneficial in managing the unique challenges faced by seafarers due to irregular work schedules and the demanding environment at sea. However, it's also important to ensure that any digital solutions used onboard are in compliance with the vessel's safety and communication policies.
IMEQ CENTER