—
Getting into the military is tough. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Military personnel are faced with dire challenges, situations that test their physical and mental capacities.
How to find balance and keep your grit?
Well, here are some ways to focus on your mental health and have a fulfilling military career.
Regular Physical Activity
Rigorous physical training is a must for any military personnel. It goes way beyond the regular strength and stamina training.
We’re talking about very high endurance workouts with very few breaks.
The idea is to get your body accustomed to the most adverse conditions without rest.
As you work on physical fitness, your coordination and dexterity improve and you build mental toughness. Your brain becomes more focused and alert, and is prepared to face challenges beyond imagination.
Combat Stress
Being in military service is physically and mentally draining.
Spot the early signs of fatigue, accept how you feel and work towards coping with military stress.
Here’s what you can do:
Pursue your hobbies – You can be a stand-up comedian, a live musician for the group or document your life as a military personnel. You can go birding, fishing, swimming or pursue photography in your free time.
Make Friends – Keeping to yourself is not going to help. Get talking and build camaraderie. Knowing that others are also going through the same emotions will make you feel much lighter.
Track your Progress – Focus on the results of your training. Has your running speed improved? Are you quicker with hurdles now?
Maintain Boundaries – Military personnel should maintain professional conduct and avoid conflicts. Establishing personal boundaries is equally important.
Utilize Resources
Several support services are available for military personnel and veterans.
If required, you can approach confidential counsellors for therapy or one-on-one counselling for any mental health problems.
If you’re concerned about finances, your family’s well-being, or an occupation after completing service, you can look up specific military resources for guidance.
Practice Mindfulness
Meditation and breathing exercises have proven to be effective in overcoming mental health issues and gaining resilience.
Devote 5-10 minutes every day to practice mindfulness.
You can try out the recorded guided sessions on YouTube or a meditation app on your phone.
Otherwise, you can keep a journal to note down your shortcomings and achievements of the day. You can also write down things that you’re grateful for.
Sleep and Rest
It is understandable that during combat, you’d want to be awake and alert. But many military personnel find it difficult to sleep well, even when they’re not on the battlefield.
Lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your mental health and eventually your performance.
So you must also master the art of sleeping when you can. Listen to white noise at bedtime. Journaling before sleep can also clear your mind of unpleasant thoughts and help you doze off quickly.
Connect with Friends and Family
Your friends and family are your biggest well-wishers. Staying out of touch can bring anxiety to both sides.
So whenever possible, reach out to your loved ones. A short message or a brief phone call can be very uplifting for your tired mind.
Avoid Substance Use
Alcohol or substance use might seem like a quick fix for your anxiety and problems. But they can only lead to addiction, depression and self-destruction.
Yes, the consequences of overusing these substances are dreadful, especially for someone already under pressure.
Avoid heading towards a downward spiral, and steer clear of the company that engages in these practices.
Conclusion
To deal with military stress, you must first recognize it and understand that it is very common.
Those who are in denial throughout their service period often crash once they’re back in civilian life.
Once you take charge of your situation, you’ll quickly find your calm and comfort despite all odds.
Remember, when the going gets tough, the military personnel get tougher.
—
