Being part of the military is tough, and as a member, you’re well aware of that. Besides doing your best to ensure people’s safety, you also have to make the huge sacrifice of being away from home and loved ones. Now that you’re a veteran, adjusting to civilian life can feel overwhelming. The demands, challenges, and even risks that come with military life have become part of your daily routine, so returning to civilian life might not be easy.
No matter if your service lasted a few years or several decades, at some point, re-entering the civilian world becomes a challenge. Military life is unique and strict, and getting used to it is normal. So, having a hard time returning to civilian life is understandable. You might be wondering how to interact with others, what steps to take next, and, importantly, how to maintain a healthy lifestyle outside of the military.
Adjusting to everyday life after living under tough conditions in the military is necessary. It’s common for veterans to face long-term health issues like physical disabilities, severe injuries, and mental health conditions. Whether you’re about to retire or have been out for a while but still find it hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle, there are a few tips to help you out.
Military service is physically demanding, but it can also affect your mental health significantly. Veterans might experience issues like flashbacks, insomnia, or depression due to their service time. These challenges extend to their families as well, often resulting in struggles with addiction as a way to cope with trauma, anxiety, depression, or sleep issues. Now that you’re out, seeking professional help for addiction and mental health is crucial.
You can start by exploring addiction treatments tailored for veterans. It’s important to obtain the treatment and support you need to break the cycle of addiction and enjoy a sober life. A healthy mind leads to a healthy life.
Fortunately, there are benefits available to veterans even after retirement. One of the first steps is visiting your veteran center for medical checkups to ensure you’re ready to transition back into civilian life. This is essential to confirm that you haven’t been exposed to harmful substances like asbestos or developed any contagious diseases while serving.
Veterans might also experience health issues later due to their service, like hearing loss from loud noises. Regular checkups can help address and manage these conditions, securing a better quality of life post-service.
Eating right is key to a healthy lifestyle. While you might have followed a strict diet during your service, keeping track of your food choices now can be challenging. Your diet affects your wellness, so it’s important to make wise food choices. Planning your meals weekly can reduce stress at meal times and help avoid empty calories and sugary foods, which can lead to heart disease and obesity. Aim for a balanced diet, steering clear of fast food and sweets. Include proteins and greens in your meals, and indulge in treats occasionally while avoiding fast food, alcohol, and sugary foods to maintain good health.
Social and interactive activities are also crucial for a healthy lifestyle, especially for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental challenges. Social connections provide the support needed to ease into retirement. Surrounding yourself with family, friends, and meeting new people can prevent isolation, which is important for mental health. Joining clubs, support groups, or programs can expand your social circle and assist in smoothly transitioning to life beyond the military. Engaging with community activities allows you to try or learn new things, from hobbies to training programs, and even join online groups for veterans.
Getting enough sleep is vital for maintaining good health. Maintaining the habit of sleeping well is crucial even after retirement. Sleep affects mood, cognition, and concentration, all necessary for healthy functioning. Stick to a fixed schedule, ensuring at least seven hours of sleep per night. Monitor your diet and drink intake before bedtime, as they impact your sleep quality. Identify things that disturb your sleep and try to minimize them. For instance, reducing screen time in the evening is recommended because blue light can disrupt your sleep cycle. Instead, try listening to soothing music or reading a book.
Securing physical health requires effort and commitment. You might think exercise should be easy after being active in the military, but adjusting to civilian life can make it challenging. Exercise boosts energy and mood, key for a healthy lifestyle, so engage in activities you enjoy and are comfortable with. Start by increasing daily movement with activities like jogging, biking, or swimming. These can keep both your body and mind healthy, building stronger muscles, bones, and boosting immunity. If you like the gym, consider working out there. Dedicate time each day to physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.
Financial stability is another aspect to consider. Veterans might receive monetary benefits for health conditions from service. However, securing financial independence is crucial for a stress-free civilian life. Financial health supports overall well-being. Keep track of your credit score, set savings goals, and maintain an emergency fund. Use available resources to evaluate your finances and guide future actions. You might also consider starting a business or pursuing passions.
Life after military service can be challenging, especially if military living was a significant part of your life. However, there are steps you can take to ease this transition, focusing on overall wellness. Prioritize mental health, get regular checkups, eat a balanced diet, stay physically active, engage socially, ensure you get enough sleep, and manage your finances. These tips can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle post-service.
