Self Care
The military lifestyle is challenging for individuals and families who experience frequent relocations, periods of separation and parenting solo. It is essential to take care of yourself by incorporating self-care strategies into your life. Here are some things that you can do:
- Get Enough Sleep
- Maintain Proper Nutrition
- Exercise Regularly
- Connect with Others
- Connect with Yourself
1. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is an essential part of everyday well-being. Sleep allows you to be productive, handle stress and function effectively. It is challenging to find time to sleep when you are feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges; however, when you are well rested you are able to face tasks with more energy. Sometimes taking a power nap can re-energize you if you are unable to get enough sleep at night!
2. Maintain Proper Nutrition
A poor diet not only affects your physical health but your mental health as well. Research has shown stress hormones tend to increase a person’s tendency to gain weight and if you have a poor diet, your body recognizes that it does not have enough nutrients for your brain to function optimally. Planning not only helps you pick healthier choices but also frees up time from hectic schedules. Crock-pots are great for those with a busy schedules and having healthy snacks on hand such as fresh fruit or granola bars will avoid the temptation for impulsive fast food purchases. Consult with Canada’s Food Guide for daily recommendations and servings.
3. Exercise Regularly
Walks or hikes, joining a team sport or even a game of tag with the kids are all forms of exercise. People tend to forget that exercise can be fun and that they can accomplish exercise during everyday life tasks such as vacuuming, taking the stairs and even walking to the store instead of driving. Even with just a half hour each day, you can maintain your health. If you are thinking you have no time for exercise, split it up and make it a part of your day – try going on a walk during your lunch break or walking to your coworker’s desk instead of sending an email.
4. Connect with Others
An important part of looking after yourself is developing and maintaining supportive relationships with friends or family. It is important to cultivate relationships with people who you can trust and provide each other with mutual support. Some strategies for building relationships include volunteering, connecting with an old friend, talking with a friend about your feelings, joining a club or class and scheduling time with friends.
5. Connect with Yourself
Developing a positive relationship with yourself starts with having self-awareness. It is important to be aware of the times you are hard on yourself and as part of a good self-care routine, you can replace unhelpful thoughts with more positive ones. One of the best ways to connect with yourself is doing something for yourself, whether that’s taking a nice calming bath or buying that something special you’ve had your eye on for months – whatever it is go out and have fun with yourself!
Recommended Books
“Unclutter Your Life” by Katherine Gibson
A practical guide on how to get rid of clutter and gain peace of mind in your soul and home. Learn techniques to help rid yourself of “closet freeloaders,” office clutter, time stress, draining relationships and much more.
“The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids: Help for Children to Cope with Stress, Anxiety, and Transistions” by Lawrence Shapiro
This workbook helps parents and their children cope with stressful periods such as relocation, divorce or a loss of a loved one. It helps families develop healthy coping skills.
Recommended Websites
Taking Care: Child & Youth Mental Health
Shares the personal stories of children and youth dealing with anxiety and depression while also providing tools and strategies.
Canadian Mental Health Association
The military lifestyle can be stressful. Learn some ways to manage it.
