Written by: Jason Jowers, MS, MFT
The end of another summer is upon us. Families have geared up for back-to-school season and that means reestablishing routines that will last through the upcoming school year. With families getting back into the swing of things, it’s important to remember to prioritize self-care and wellness practices so as not to get overwhelmed with a jam-packed schedule. Incorporating health and wellness practices can help reduce the stress that military families experience throughout the year.
National Wellness Month takes on an even deeper significance when considering the brave men and women who serve in the military, along with their resilient families. August is National Wellness Month and we wanted to share these resources to specifically help military families practice self-care and to make wellness a priority all year long. In this blog post, we delve into the unique challenges faced by military service members and their loved ones, while also exploring strategies to promote their wellness during National Wellness Month and beyond.
Promoting Military Family Wellness
Maintaining physical wellness is crucial for military personnel. Encouraging regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient rest can contribute to their overall health. Military installations often offer fitness facilities, group classes, and resources for staying active. HPRC Online shares a lot of great resources promoting physical fitness and wellness. They have links to physical, mental, nutritional, and social wellness.
Physical wellness resources for military kids and teens are also provided by Military OneSource. In the article, “Giving Your Child a Happy, Healthy, Start,” there are many strategies shared to promote the health and well-being of military children. These strategies include ways to encourage physical activity, as well as healthy nutrition and sleep habits.
Finally, Military OneSource also shares these resources to help support military mental and emotional wellness for families. Their articles “How to Create and Maintain Routines” and “ Tips for Building Family Resilience” are great entry points to resources like the Thrive Initiative, Sesame Street for Military Families, and the Military and Family Life Counseling Program.
By fostering physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being through various resources, we can create a stronger, healthier military community that thrives amidst challenges. Let’s come together to ensure that those who dedicate their lives to protecting our nations and their families also receive the care and support they deserve.
For upcoming OneOp programming on military family readiness, be sure and tune in to our “Reconnecting with Nature: Health and Well-Being for Military Communities” webinar on August 30th, 2023. Free continuing education credits are available and the recording will be available via our YouTube Channel.
Blog Post Image: DVids [58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade enjoys Family Day, Photo by Sgt. Arcadia Hammack, July 18th, 2021, CC0]
