Finding Stillness at Sea: Managing your Mental Health
- Info Compass Rose Crew
- May 12
- 3 min read
Working and living on the ocean is a privilege—one we’re lucky to share. It’s beautiful and exciting, but it comes at a price. Working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment takes its toll. Dealing with operational requirements, guest demands, and the constant stimulation of being surrounded by people 24/7 impacts our mental health—whether we realise it or not. Unfortunately, many yachties are unaware of the true state of their own mental wellbeing.
Mental health has become a global conversation in recent years, with stress, anxiety, and depression at all-time highs. Awareness has grown across industries, including yachting, but from personal experience, I still see many people unconsciously struggling. Today I want to shed some light on mental health at sea, reflect on my own experience, and share a few tools that have helped me find stillness while living and working onboard.
The first thing to acknowledge is that it’s okay to feel stressed, anxious, or low. These emotions are valid—and often signals from the body that something needs attention. Long hours, limited personal space, always being on call... these are everyday realities in yachting, and they are stressful, even if we’re conditioned to brush it off. That doesn’t mean you need to quit the industry (although it might for some), but it does mean you can’t afford to be passive about your mental health. You need to prioritise it if you want to thrive and enjoy the upsides of this lifestyle.
Stress and anxiety show up differently for everyone. Some people shut down; others lash out. Recognising how you and your crew respond to stress is important—it helps you navigate tough moments with more compassion, both toward others and yourself.
A few seasons ago, I hit rock bottom in terms of my mental health and energy. We had been busy for five straight months with minimal time off. My schedule constantly shifted, I was working 12–16 hour days, and I was completely drained. One night, I sat down to journal—as I often do—and wrote honestly about how I’d been feeling. Reading it back, I realised the problem was clear: I was physically exhausted, disconnected from myself, and not using my time off in ways that recharged me. Even on the rare nights off, I was going out with the crew and drinking, which only made things worse.
That was a turning point. I realised I needed to reclaim the little time I did have and use it to take care of my mental health.
Before I share some tools that have helped me, I want to stress one key point: in yachting, we rarely get large chunks of free time—so use what you have wisely. Learn to listen to your body and mind, and take small but intentional steps to care for yourself.
When my body feels tight and tired after a busy day, I turn to yoga. A short 20-minute session helps stretch out sore muscles and release tension. It also incorporates breath-work and mindfulness, which helps me mentally let go of the day.
When I’m mentally overwhelmed—whether it’s work stress or personal issues—I find journaling, meditation, or breath-work incredibly grounding. These practices help me slow the spiral of thoughts and shift my focus from negative loops to a more balanced, present state.
Lately, I’ve started a new practice: I take 10 minutes each morning before work to sit outside and enjoy the morning light. I leave my phone inside. Sometimes it feels a bit boring, but I use that time to check in with myself and set an intention for the day. It’s simple, but it’s had a big impact.
Stillness at sea doesn’t mean slowing down your job—it means carving out small moments of calm in a chaotic environment. It’s about reconnecting with yourself so that you can show up fully, not just for your crew and guests, but for your own wellbeing. Yachting will always be intense, but by tuning into your needs and using your time wisely, you can create space for peace—even in the busiest of seasons.
If you are struggling with your Mental Health and you cannot find tools that work for you please do not hesitate to reach out for professional support and guidance.
