Life after serving in the military can be challenging. My husband is a United States Navy Veteran and he says it definitely feels that way. For some, it is a wonderful time as they can return home to family and not deal with too much stress and physical pain. However, some can experience detrimental health effects as a result of serving.
Should you be or know someone that is suffering after serving, here are some coping mechanisms and management techniques.
Attend wellness centers
There are many wellness centers that focus on recovering veterans.
Places like Spartan Wellness can help veterans work through healthcare concerns and prove the best care for them and their families. Wellness programs can rehabilitate those in need and support people that require medicine for recovery.
It is best to be proactive about your recovery after serving so that you can attain and maintain the best health possible.
Reduce stress through mindful practices
It is crucial to mitigate stress levels in your life after serving as it is common for people to experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
A great way to reduce stress and practice feeling calm is by pursuing mindful techniques. There are plenty of mindful ways in which a person can reduce stress and anxiety to achieve a greater sense of well-being and calm.
For example, veterans could practice daily yoga or meditation to maintain their physical and mental health. Mindful practices allow a person to gain focus and achieve a better mental state.
Some other mindful practices to try include:
- Walking
- Socializing
- Cooking
- Reading
- Relaxing baths
Opening up
Another great way to help a veteran cope with life after serving is to talk about their past and what they experienced. Although it can be difficult to accept what happened and deal with traumas, it is best to open up and let it out. If you keep everything in, it can boil up and come crashing down on you later in life.
The sooner and more you discuss your past traumas, the more you can find ways to cope with your past. You might confide in a friend, a family member, or a therapist for this. Finding someone you can trust and rely on will encourage you to share more and open up about what you went through. It isn’t worth holding onto your past traumas as it can deteriorate your mental health. Therefore, feel encouraged to open up and talk things through.
Pursue new hobbies
A great way to cope and manage with past traumas is to pursue hobbies that you enjoy. You might not want to pursue past hobbies because they remind you too much of what you went through. Hence, it can be a great idea to pursue something new.
Art therapy is highly recommened for veterans. It is a way to expres emotion and focus your mind elsewhere for a desired amount of time. You do not have to be an art expert to pursue such a hobby. Finding something you enjoy will fill you with peace and gratitude, which are two essential things to improve mental health.
Thank you for reading!
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