Self-Care Tips for Veterans
According to numerous studies, anxiety, depression, and PTSD are some of the most common conditions US veterans suffer. Those who have served in the military are more likely to suffer from mental health concerns and conditions.
Since no one deserves to live with these issues with no end in sight – least of all veterans – the team at SRQ Vets has discussed a few self-care tips. Each of these tips is easy to remember and follow. They are natural alternatives to medication and professional therapy, so consider taking them to heart. Without further ado, let’s dive into the must-know self-care tips for veterans.
What Are Four Must-Know Self-Care Tips For Veterans?
Veterans give so much that they often forget to care for themselves as they should. If you’re a veteran guilty of putting others’ needs before your own, you need to consider following the must-know self-care tips we’ve shared below.
- Ensure You Eat A Balanced Diet
According to numerous research studies in recent years, there has been a proven correlation between eating a balanced diet and sustaining good mental health. This is because what you eat can significantly affect how you feel.
Even though eating healthy and nutritious meals might not cure every ailment you have, it is a great way for veterans to start caring for themselves regularly. Below we have listed a few simple nutrition tips you can follow to maximize your feel-good results:
- Eat a nutritious breakfast that includes fiber and protein every morning.
- Eat fruits and vegetables with a minimum of 5 varieties of vegetables and fruits each day.
- Try to limit your consumption of alcohol, as drinking can be bad for your physical and mental health. It’s been proven that alcohol can cause weight gain and depression.
- Only eat a light snack in the mid-morning or afternoon when you’re feeling peckish.
- Make Sure You’re Connecting With Others
As a veteran, it can be incredibly easy to distance yourself from others (friends and family). Yet, this is the one thing you shouldn’t do, as it’s vital to ensure you’re forming and maintaining social connections with others for your mental and physical well-being.
Luckily, it doesn’t take much to form and maintain social interaction. For example, veterans can make time for their family and friends by voice calling, video calling, or arranging in-person breakfast or dinner outings. Simple activities like this can do a world of good. Eventually, you can work up to joining a club or taking up a hobby that interests you.
You can also join a veteran-specific support group like the one offered by SRQ Vets. Moreover, students that are also veterans could join a special college program for veterans.
If you can’t find anything in person or don’t want to rejoin the outside world just yet, you can set your sights online. Numerous Facebook groups and apps can help you socialize with other veterans.
- Don’t Stop Exercising
It might be tempting to undertake a sedentary lifestyle but one of the best self-care to ensure you stay physically and mentally healthy is to continue exercising. In fact, according to scientists, exercise has been shown to boost neurotransmitters in the brain, which improves mood and alleviates symptoms of mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
Additionally, if veterans commit to an exercise routine, they will improve their sleep quality and boost their energy levels. There are also numerous ways you can choose to exercise as a veteran. For example, you could undertake hiking or swimming or join a tennis or basketball club. If these outdoor options don’t appeal, you could always join your local gym or work out at home.
- Undertake A New Hobby
If you’re a veteran who wants to focus your mind on other things for the first time in a long time, you should consider undertaking a new hobby. Countless hobbies available to you can act as the perfect self-care activity that will be good for your mental well-being. Some people prefer less strenuous activities like gardening or cooking, while others prefer martial arts and cycling. Some of the other hobbies you can consider include the following:
- Painting
- Arts and crafts
- Needlework
- Blogging
- Reading
- Volunteering
At SRQ Vets, we care about the well-being of our veterans. We’re a local volunteering agency that helps veterans socialize and integrate into society. If you’re ready to take your self-care seriously and want to become more social, consider contacting us, and we’ll be in touch.
