Winter wellness is crucial for military families, who often juggle unique challenges like unpredictable schedules amongst an already busy and unpredictable schedule as the holidays. Maintaining physical and mental health during the colder months and the holiday season ensures that families stay resilient and ready to face whatever comes their way. Want to stay safe, sane and healthy this holiday season? Here are some tips for you!
1. Stay Active Indoors
Cold weather can make outdoor activities less appealing, but staying active is essential for physical health. Many bases have gyms or indoor recreational facilities available to service members and their families, some are free and some with a nominal fee. Look for group fitness classes, family-friendly activities, or even free fitness apps that focus on bodyweight exercises you can do at home.
If you’re stationed in a particularly cold and snowy climate, embrace winter sports like skiing or sledding for family-friendly outdoor fun.
2. Focus on Immune Support
The winter season often brings an increase in illnesses like colds and the flu. Ensure everyone in the family gets their annual flu vaccine, if able, which is typically available on base or at local pharmacies for free.
Incorporate immune-boosting foods into your meals, such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, and yogurt. If you have little ones, use creative methods like smoothies or fun presentations to encourage healthy eating.
Don’t forget to remind everyone about the importance of frequent handwashing. When sneezing or coughing, don’t cough into your hand (because that touches doorhandles, food, and everything else), but cough and sneeze into you elbow. This shields those around you and lessens sharing the potential germs.
Vitamin D is critical to immunity building, so if there are warmer periods when getting outside is possible, soak in the sun while getting some vitamin D but also staying warm.
3. Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Many people experience low moods during the winter due to reduced sunlight, and military families, particularly those stationed in northern or overseas locations, may be more affected. Combat SAD by spending time outdoors during daylight hours, using light therapy lamps, and prioritizing regular sleep patterns. The holiday season can also heighten stress for families separated by deployments; using video calls to connect with loved ones can help maintain a sense of togetherness.
4. Take Advantage of Military Resources
Military families have access to resources that can help with winter wellness. Programs like Military OneSource offer free counseling for mental health support. Base fitness centers often host wellness challenges or seminars. Check if your installation offers free or low-cost winter activities in the local area through the MWR or even the Information, Ticket and Tours (ITT) center.
5. Create a Winter Wellness Routine
Establishing a routine helps balance family life, especially during the busy holiday season. Incorporate time for self-care, whether it’s setting aside a quiet moment to read, meditating, or enjoying a hot bath. Encourage family members to join in with relaxing activities like watching movies or baking healthy treats. Planning your days with intention can prevent the holiday rush from becoming overwhelming.
This also includes self-care. Plan for everyone else, yes, but also prepare and plan for some downtime for yourself.
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