Posted by Army Maj. Todd Yosick on December 17, 2009
Photo credit Roger Teel
The holidays are a wonderful time, characterized by activities and opportunities to spend time with family and loved ones. However the holidays can also present added financial and relationship pressures, and a sense of loss as we take time to reflect on the challenges we have faced throughout the year. These factors can elicit feelings of loneliness and despair, making it difficult to recover. Signs of depression can emerge even in the midst of the spirit of the season.
DCoE staff recently presented on the “Total Fitness” concept at the “Defining Total Fitness in the 21st Century” workshop at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. This initiative reinforces and encourages healthy physical, emotional, social and spiritual behavior for all service members and their families. It’s important for us to remember that we must continually recharge our batteries to make sure we are prepared to handle the demands life places on us while living life to the fullest—enjoying all of the great opportunities we get to experience! To do this we need to eat well, get enough sleep and exercise and spend time with friends and loved ones to stay connected. Keeping enough fuel in your tank by taking care of yourself will help you sustain, even if things get difficult.