Self-Care During Transitions
By Colleen Cahoon
Family Navigator Coordinator
Esquimalt MFRC
Transitions are a regular part of life and military families often experience frequent transitions throughout the military member’s career. Whether it be a deployment, a move to a new base, or even releasing from the CAF, change can be both exciting and unsettling for families. Self-care during these times is extremely important. By caring for yourself you will be in a better position to help your family members deal with the transition period.
Here are some self-care tips during times of transition:
Stay in the Moment
When we are going through a transition, it is normal for our minds to jump ahead and worry about what is going to happen in the future. Try to stay in the moment. Acknowledge that your thoughts about the future are not reality and identify what you know to be true right now. Take some time to appreciate what you have in this moment and identify what you have control over and what you don’t have control over.
Carve Out Some Routine
During times of transition, life may feel out of control. Routine can bring some comfort and anchor you during this time. Find something that provides some routine in your life. Maybe it is getting up and going for a short walk each morning or having dinner with your family once a week. If you are moving to a new home, try to establish a new routine for you and your family. This will help make the transition a bit smoother for everyone.
Take a Break
It is important to take a break away from all the busy-ness that change brings. Give yourself permission to take a break each day. It does not have to be long. It can be a short walk, sitting down with a cup of tea for a few minutes, or a fun night out with family or friends.
Take Care of Yourself
When we are busy, our needs often get put to the bottom of the lists. However, if you take care of yourself during times of change, you will be in a better position to deal with the change and support others. Try to get enough sleep, eat regular meals, and exercise. Also, identify what you can handle right now and try not to take on more than you can handle.
Ask for Help
Transitions can bring on more work and life can get very busy. Identify tasks that others could do for you and ask friends or family for help. You may also just need someone to talk to about your concerns about the upcoming transition. Talk to a trusted friend or call your local Military Family Resource Centre.