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Chaplain’s thoughts ... Personal best …

Caution: Post-holiday blues ahead your soul. Pause for a moment to

by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) discover, or rediscover an activity
that gives your life purpose and
R. JOHN BOYER meaning. Being proactive in this
56th Fighter Wing Chaplain will help you move forward in a
For many, the grind of going back to work and life after the positive direction when you feel
holiday season can be hard! I know for me, it sometimes feels the blues.
like a kick in the … face. Then, go outside and get active.
Experts tell us around one in four people will struggle with Physical activity, particularly
post-holiday blues, which can include feelings of sadness, frus- outdoors connecting with nature,
tration, disappointment and depression. Transitioning from the is one of the greatest antidepres-
emotionally charged season of the holidays – which lasts for a sants and mood uplifting strategies anyone can do themselves.
little while and then disappears quickly – can be challenging We’re blessed to live in a beautiful climate during the winter
for many of us. After the excitement of December, January can months. Go on a hike, take a walk, go for a run, or just enjoy
feel … well, boring! a stunning Arizona sunrise or sunset. Better yet, get together
These blues can be caused by many things: putting on extra with another person and go do it together. Humans are made to
weight, not exercising regularly, stress of family, friends and be in community with each other, so put down the smartphone
added shopping expenses – credit cards coming due – just to name or controller, and get some fresh air.
a few. Many of us look forward to the holidays, only to have them Finally, don’t just ignore your sad feelings and bottle them
go by too quickly – leaving us feeling let down and disappointed. up. Every single one of us has felt blue at some point; you’re not
So how do we prepare ourselves for when the blues hit? First, alone. There’s no reason to try and “toughen up” – there can only
expect to be “let down.” It’s only natural to be saddened when be one Chuck Norris in this world … and it ain’t you.
transitioning from a time of joy and excitement, to a time of ho- So if you’re feeling down, talk with someone about it. We’re
hum every day routine. Just expect yourself to be a little sad after blessed with so many resources as military members: supervi-
the cheer and delight of the season, and give yourself permission sors, rst sergeants, mental health counselors, military and fam-
to take time to feel that way for a while until your normal routine ily life consultants, Military OneSource, chaplains and religious Courtesy photo
returns. It’s often only by going through the valleys of life, that affairs Airmen. We’re all here to support you, as you honorably Staff Sgt. Lindsey Harvey, 362nd
we can appreciate mountain tops all the more. wear our nation’s cloth, doing what our country has asked you Recruiting Squadron, March Air Re-
Next, pause to nd meaning and purpose in life. Smart, edu- to do and accomplishing the mission you swore to protect and serve Base, California, placed first
cated people tell us happiness, particularly lasting happiness, defend. Many are counting on you! in the female powerlifting competi-
is directly connected to being part of something greater than For more information about Luke AFB Chaplain Corps pro- tion in December at Luke AFB. She
yourself. For you it may be faith, prayer, church, community ser- grams and events, like us on Facebook @ Luke AFB Chapel. bested herself by setting personal
vice, helping others, or something else you feel resonates within Feeling like you need to talk? Give us a call at 623-856-6211. records in every lift.

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