10 Healthy Habits Retired Military Officers Should Develop

Military officers engage in some of the most psychologically demanding work during their active duty. For this reason, soldiers should focus on their well-being while performing their services. However, retirement often doesn’t end the aftershocks of a military career. We have seen how many veterans suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression even decades after leaving this profession. So, we’re discussing some tips for military officers here. 

Habits military veterans should adopt

The importance of self-care must be remembered even after you’ve retired from active military service. Remember that military veterans remain vulnerable to psychological challenges even after they’ve left their job. Focus on improving your health and enjoying your post-retirement life. Let’s highlight some methods of retaining your well-being by developing certain healthy habits here. Carefully read the guidelines. Then implement them faithfully to promote a healthy lifestyle. 

• Get VA benefits

Do you know that you are eligible to receive compensation for medical injuries you sustain during your days in service? Some of these can take years to manifest into a disease. For instance, military personnel exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma later, making them eligible for monetary compensation. Search more about military veterans and mesothelioma to get the VA benefits you deserve. These VA benefits help you focus on your treatment and recovery.

• Eat healthy things

Troubled veterans shouldn’t neglect their diet plan because their food will impact their well-being. It’s crucial to avoid junk food and consume meals rich in minerals and vitamins. Ensure your food has probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating these things will hone your health and keep you walking without help for a long time.

• Exercise more often

Working out improves your physical wellness and stimulates the release of pleasure-inducing hormones called endorphins. These hormones boost your confidence and improve your mood. You can perform simple stress-reducing physical activities such as walking, running, or jogging. Even playing with your grandkids will count as exercise! Just keep moving. Don’t adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Think of exercise as a movement that is supposed to keep you active.

• Seek proper support

Veterans often suffer from isolation even when family members surround them. It happens because they require the existence of like-minded individuals. That’s why you should share your post-retirement time with someone who understands your experiences. We suggest you join a support group to sustain your mental health. Today, you can easily find nearby veterans online. Find friends on social media websites or contact old pals from the army to socialize more effectively now.

• Spend time outdoors

How much time do you spend outside? Learn to love nature and don’t spend all your time sleeping at home. There’s a lot of exploring to do after retiring from the military. Consider hiking and biking to improve your health. Remain active by sipping some coffee outside or meeting some friends at a local park. Even reading a book outside can fulfill the human need to spend time in nature. Enjoy nature as much as possible, and refrain from locking yourself up in your room and watching TV all day long.

• Get service dogs

Research indicates that keeping service dogs can make veterans mentally healthy. Many veterans are keeping service animals because it’s therapeutic for troubled military officers. Service dogs can make their masters more hopeful about the future. You can treat your stress by keeping these dogs by your side. These animals offer you comfort and attachment. An individual with a military background should get these therapy dogs after retiring from the service.

• Find a hobby

Engaging in healthy pastimes can relax your mind and lower stress levels. Veterans in the country can engage in hobbies ranging from gardening and painting to book-reading and stamp-collecting. Find out what activities hone your mood and then engage in that activity. A veteran, however, should avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking or drinking. Prefer less-strenuous activities if you don’t wish to engage in active hobbies. But do consider getting a pastime.

• Connect with people

Don’t forget to socialize after retiring from the army. Make non-military friends if you don’t wish to associate only with people with a military background. However, you should focus on joining army-specific groups where people can understand your experiences. But it’s also healthy to associate with civilians. Have friends with whom you can enjoy your favorite hobbies. Reach out to old pals by visiting them or inviting them for brunch. Socialize; don’t isolate yourself.

• Get enough rest

Are you getting enough sleep to rejuvenate your body? Adults should sleep for 7-8 hours every night. Sleep deprivation can harm not just your mental health, but also your physical well-being. Depriving yourself of a good night’s rest may lead to anxiety, depression, and other conditions. Avoid gawking at your phone before bedtime, and make your bedroom comfortable enough to induce sleep. Keep a consistent sleeping schedule because your brain appreciates routine. That’s how you sleep properly.

• Treat yourself fairly

In the end, military veterans should focus on self-healing by treating themselves. You’ve served the country, and now it’s time to pursue personal interests. Remember that self-care doesn’t only mean eating and sleeping what’s right; it also involves self-rewarding. So, you should enjoy fast food once in a blue moon to treat yourself. Have some sweet-tasting delicacies because eating sugar is okay if consumed moderately. Binge your favorite show on Netflix and get a massage if you’re fond of it.

Conclusion

Mental health issues have become common among veterans, studies have revealed. Statistics indicate that 11-20 percent of OIF/OEF veterans have PTSD. These veterans can boost their mental agility by adopting certain healthy habits. Eat rightly, sleep properly, and exercise regularly. Seek professional assistance from licensed therapists and apply for VA benefits if you got mesothelioma during your service. Spend time outdoors to explore nature to improve your well-being and get some service dogs to uplift your mood. Connect and socialize with people because it’s important for retaining one’s mental health. Find some healthy pastimes to stay engaged, and you may sustain your well-being.