Healthy Habits for Veterans

When military veterans return from service, part of the re-adjustment to civilian life has to do with developing new, healthy habits. Military life is notoriously tough, and our nation’s heroes need to make positive health adjustments to continue a successful life after their military career ends.

1. Seek counseling

This is the number-one tip for new military veterans. Although veterans returning to civilian life face many physical challenges, it is how they handle the mental challenges that makes or breaks their post-military life.

PTSD is the number-one mental illness associated with returning veterans, and it is certainly prevalent; studies estimate that at least 20% of veterans returning from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD, and at least half of veterans with PTSD do not seek treatment. If you or your loved one is showing signs of PTSD, including persistent nightmares, overwhelming feelings of shame or hopelessness, or self-harming behaviors, seek counseling and treatment from an agency specifically designed to treat PTSD.

However, PTSD is not the only mental health issue that veterans experience. Depression is also common among veterans, as is anxiety. Talking to a counselor or therapist is a great way to work through these issues and build a new, healthy life. Additional therapies can be taken alongside counseling, for instance, equine therapy can help veterans, particularly those suffering from PTSD.

2. Watch out for addictions

It is common for members of the military to pick up unhealthy, addictive habits, such as smoking. These habits then come back with them to civilian life.

Smoking and drinking are the two most common vices that have the potential to become addictions if they are not changed into healthier habits. With alcohol, make sure both you and the veterans in your life practice healthy drinking habits. This includes drinking no more than one alcoholic drink per hour at social events, and avoiding drinking alone.

Switching from cigarette smoking to an electronic cigarette is a great way to turn a potentially addictive habit into a healthier one. E-cigarettes do not cause secondhand smoke, and they come in numerous flavors. They allow veterans to experience the social benefits of smoking, as well as the comfort associated with cigarettes, without exposing themselves to the long-term health risks of smoke inhalation and nicotine use.

3. Get enough sleep

The military is not known for its lengthy periods of shut-eye. Veterans who are used to grabbing sleep when they can must readjust to a normal sleep cycle. Getting enough sleep is essential to both physical and mental health; recent studies have shown that sleep is when the brain clears out toxins and other “garbage,” leaving your mind fresh and ready to take on the challenges of another day.

4. Rebuild relationships

Veterans come back to families that have often changed in their absence. Children have grown up, spouses have become more independent, and the family has settled into a day-to-day rhythm that is now thrown off-balance by the returned veteran’s presence.

This is one of the hardest parts of coming back from the military; after the excited homecoming, the hugs, and the parties, you have to deal with a family that has learned to survive without you. Maybe your spouse doesn’t want to delegate tasks, or maybe you find yourself in the position of assistant instead of head of household. Maybe your children are not too happy to receive your discipline and guidance.

Whatever your challenges, your most important job as a returning veteran — or as the spouse of a returning veteran — is to rebuild these relationships and re-integrate the household dynamics. Check in with your partner every week. Ask what went well, and what can be improved. Work to make small adjustments until your veteran is fully integrated into home life.

Additionally, continuing education can be very helpful in recovery. Look into scholarships offered for active duty military personnel and see what opportunities are available.

These habit adjustments help make the transition to civilian life smooth and fulfilling. When veterans come back from service, taking a few steps to ensure good health and strong relationships is the best thing you can do for America’s heroes.