Page 15 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, December 2018

Thunderbolt news http://www.luke.af.mil
Turn stress into strength this upcoming holiday season
December 2018 15 Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — The holiday season presents opportunities to engage in multiple forms of resiliency.
Engaging in close relationships, practicing gratitude, and partici- pating in religious activities that promote spirituality are often helpful aspects of the holidays. However, the holidays may also create stressors that are unique to this time of year.
Extra travel, new financial ob- ligations and increased exposure to strained family relationships can create new forms of anxiety. In particular, this time of year can be difficult for those that have recently experienced a significant loss or disruption to an important relationship. Relatedly, other major life challenges, such as marital prob- lems, loneliness and mental health issues, can make the holidays a time of unhappiness rather than one of enjoyment.
Promoting Comprehensive Air- man Fitness and ensuring a culture of wingmanship are fundamental concepts that are especially im- portant during the holidays. The
significance of these concepts only increases when work schedules are altered and social networks may temporarily change.
CAF consists of ensuring engage- ment in and balance between, physi- cal, social, spiritual and emotional resiliency. Participating in activities that are related to CAF promotes well-being and is one reason that the holiday season is so memorable.
Wingmanship increases aware- ness of difficulty that a fellow wing- man may experience, which allows action to be taken to support an individual in need. Use ACE, or ask, care and escort, should you recog- nize someone that needs support to provide the guidelines and steps to take in order to help someone. Lis- ten to their concerns, demonstrate caring, and escort them to an appro- priate helping agency or supervisor.
If you or a wingman are in need of support, the Air Force has many helping agencies to utilize, such as mental health, psychiatric health, employee assistance programs, military and family life consultant, and your local chapel.
Courtesy of af.mil