Health Care Happenings

Gosh, can you believe Thanksgiving is next week? … Where did the year go? … How do I get everything done for the holidays and before the New Year begins?

If you are like me, the questions and stresses can pile up quickly this time of year. And, before I know it the joy of the holidays gets lost in the hustle and bustle of the season.

Did you know though, we aren’t alone. There certainly seems to be plenty of reasons to be anxious and stressed this time of year…office work deadlines that have to be met, office parties, gift shopping, and finances… the list goes on.

But for most, the biggest stressor is family related–family obligations, family traditions, family meals…

MOAA is a military family. While we know our troops, retirees, veterans, and their family members often face the holidays alone or experience other difficult challenges, we know the holidays can still be a happy and fulfilling time when we share ourselves and resources with others.

Here’s some ways to de-stress and create some happy memories this holiday season:

• Make Time for Fun! Don’t focus on the ‘to do list,’ rather, your fun list. Reach out to a military/family member and include them in the fun.

o Pace Yourself! Don’t overdo things. Plan ahead and try to not put too many activities on your calendar. Place limits on your time. Try not to worry so much about how things should be or about things that are outside of your control.

• Take Care of Yourself! Rest, diet, exercise are especially key and all contribute to a healthy outlook, which in turn promotes emotional and physical well-being and strong bodies.

Remember—“A Healthy Mind is as Important as a Healthy Body”

Here are some helpful resources for the holidays.

Real Warriors Campaign:
          The Real Warriors Campaign is an initiative launched by the Defense  Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) to promote the processes of building resilience, facilitating recovery and supporting reintegration of returning service members, veterans and their families.

Military OneSource:
          Education, relocation, parenting, stress – you name it – Military OneSource can help with just about any need. Available by phone or online, our free service is provided by the Department of Defense for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families. The service is completely private and confidential, with few exceptions.

Share these resources with your military family—let them know you care about them and you want their holidays to be happy days too!