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2 December 4, 2015 Commentary BULLSEYE
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Dealing with holiday stress
By Capt. Jerry Novack I maintain my year-round savings habits by setting up Coping with sadness
automatic, online funds transfers into retirement and sav- For many people, the winter holidays and New Year’s cel-
96th Medical Group ings accounts, and limit (or eliminate) credit cards with ebration carries meaning and/or memories that can conjure
high-interest ratings. I also create a “tighten the belt” plan feelings of sadness, anxiety or grief. I hesitate to call these
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — It’s that time of year for early January to help me recover from the holiday ex- negative emotions because in certain circumstances they can
again. All things pumpkin spice become all things pepper- penses. If anyone needs help managing holiday spending, be not only appropriate, but helpful. However, for some, these
mint; television networks start showing nostalgic, holiday- make an appointment with a financial advisor or go to the feelings can seem overwhelming, especially when juxtaposed
themed movies; in northwest Florida, we complain about nearest Airman and Family Readiness Center. with the happiness and cheer they see around them.
cold weather while the rest of the country actually deals with First, know that feeling down is perfectly normal from
winter; and I write the holiday stress mental health message. Family time to time. Do not forget we are resilient, even when
I adore my family. The more I miss them, the more I we do not necessarily feel that way. Also, “timeouts” are
My challenge, of course, is to write something of value adore them. Each year, I approach the holidays longing to perfectly acceptable. Just like with family visits, temporar-
not already heard or read ad nauseam. This can be a real reconnect with my siblings, parents, nieces and nephews. ily disengaging from holiday cheer can provide a much
challenge, considering the main stressors this time of year By Jan. 2, I cannot wait to get away from them again. Time needed break and enable you to reconnect with renewed
remain relatively constant. with family can be simultaneously wonderful, fulfilling and excitement and joy.
frustratingly stressful. We can get overwhelmed if we forget If feeling overwhelmed with holiday stress, or notice that a
Finances to schedule personal time or “little getaways” when visiting wingman does not seem to be coping well, reach out for help.
I should recommend to create and stick to a holiday bud- with family. For me, an afternoon spent in the bookstore Talk to friends, family, chaplain or mental health providers.
get, spend time with loved ones instead of spending money or at a local Brazilian jiujitsu school can help me get some Accompany the wingman to a helping professional, if
on presents, and consider thrifty options when gift shopping. downtime, remember that I really do love these people, and she/he refuses to go alone. If confused about the difference
If you do these things effectively, then you should be writing re-engage renewed and happy. between family advocacy and Airman and Family Readi-
me advice — not the other way around. Without scheduled breaks, I get irritable and relation- ness Center, just go to any helping agency. We will get you
No matter how well I plan and budget, I find myself ships begin to rapidly deteriorate. Figure out what you need where you need to go. The most important thing is just get
blindsided by unexpected expenses beyond gifts. There are in order to manage family visits and protect it because it the support you or your wingman need.
holiday cards, parties, meals out, entertainment events, and matters.
postage I consistently fail to consider. Some strategies can
help with damage control, though.
Volunteerism affects positive change
By Lt. Col. Stephen A. Simko of volunteerism that I think each and every received with the most thanks. Tennis cham- have found most beneficial is affecting posi-
one of us owes to the various communities pion Arthur Ashe stated it best: “Volunteer! tive change in the lives of others. Most of my
349th Maintenance Group we live in throughout our careers. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do volunteer efforts have centered on coaching
what you can.” youth sports and volunteering with Boy
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — There are a number of great quotes relative Scouts of America. Were those opportuni-
Throughout our military careers, we often to volunteerism, one that struck a chord with Although the basic premise of volunteering ties challenging, time consuming, stressful
talk of being a volunteer force, a subset of me is from Gandhi, who said, “The best way is to help someone else, there are a number and lots of work? Absolutely. However, that is
our culture that has volunteered to serve our to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of benefits the volunteer receives as well. For never what comes to mind when I look back
country in the profession of arms. of others.” As members of the Air Force, we starters, there are psychological benefits. Mark on my efforts.
all live very busy lives, from our normal duty Snyder, a psychologist and head of the Center
Without disrespect to anyone currently schedules, to exercises, weekend duties, shift for the Study of the Individual and Society The best memories that come to mind are
in uniform or those that have served before work, and especially deployments. at the University of Minnesota, states that that of a kid that was very shy and afraid of
me, I have always been in conflict over the “people who volunteer tend to have higher camping on his first trip earning his Eagle
military/volunteer discussions. Granted, there It is easy to fall into a mundane pattern of self-esteem, psychological well-being, and Scout five years later; or that 12 year old that
were times in our past when the draft was in life. If volunteer work isn’t already part of your happiness. All of these things go up as their was about to quit volleyball but grew into the
place and a number of our nation’s citizens life, I would challenge you to start out with feelings of social connectedness goes up, sport and went on to play collegiately; or even
were forced into service. My conflict centers finding just an hour a week to “lose yourself which in reality, it does. It also improves their a former athlete I coached at the middle school
on the aspect that we are all compensated for in the service of others.” health and even their longevity.” level that later joined the military.
our service, we receive some amount of pay,
housing allowances, bonuses at times, medi- If you look at the microcosm of “any base In a recent study from Carnegie Mellon There is no way of measuring the specific
cal benefits, and a variety of other benefits USA,” I would argue that we easily make up University, published in the Psychology and impact I’ve had over the years on those I have
throughout our career. the most diverse of skillsets per acre anywhere Aging journal, adults over age 50 who vol- served, but I like to think that I have at a mini-
in the country. Take that and match it up unteered on a regular basis were less likely mum been a positive role model to all those I
By definition, yes, we did all volunteer to against the needs of just about any commu- to develop high blood pressure than non- have volunteered with.
serve our country in the military. But when nity, and you should easily find a volunteer volunteers, demonstrating a direct physical
I talk about volunteerism, I am referring to opportunity that matches your specific skillset benefit of volunteering. In closing, former British Prime Minister
those that have given their own time and en- or interest. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a Winston Churchill stated, “We make a liv-
ergy to serve others — these are the people I big, formal program or event; it is oftentimes Although the physical and psychological ing by what we get. We make a life by what
have the highest level of respect. It is this type a simple act we may take for granted that is benefits are real and good for us, the reward I we give.”
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