Fast fact: Our blog will publish it’s 3000th (yes, you read that right!) blog post in 2023. All of the content is brought to you by empowered experience volunteer bloggers and insightful expert bloggers. You name a topic that a military spouse or organization could write about, we’ve probably got it. Current topics include PCS, deployment, parenting, finances, solidarity, humor, milspouse experiences, expert advice, and more. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can always join us as a blogger to share your story!
The virus has changed our lives in many ways, and Army protocol continues to evolve amidst the challenges. We hope that, with the vaccine, life will soon be back closer to normal. When that happens, there’s one updated tradition occurring in Army protocol that we would like you to be aware of and understand.
That change is the protocol surrounding Army reception lines!
Ah, February: the month of Valentines and all things hearts and love. As I was thinking of this charming holiday, I began to ponder all the things I love about each duty station in which we’ve lived or some of the extra places we’ve travelled in between. There is so much to admire about each: the attractions, museums, beaches, restaurants, and oh, those coffee houses and treat shops—what I really adore the most!
As a strength and conditioning coach, I meet many women who shy away from lifting moderate to heavy weights because of their fears that they will get too bulky, or they do not feel they can lose weight with resistance training. While cardiovascular training does typically burn more calories per session, resistance training—using moderate to heavy loads—not only burns calories with each session, but it also gives the body many benefits that increase the quality of those calories burned in the long-term.
When I meet with individuals seeking support at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Hope For The Warriors, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, I truly understand their situation. I’ve been there!
I’m the outreach manager for the clinic, which offers mental health services for post-9/11 veterans and military families. In February, our clinic also started treating active-duty service members.
Currently, our services are provided virtually through Cohen Veteran Network (CVN) Telehealth face-to-face video therapy across the state of North Carolina. When pandemic restrictions are lifted, we will also offer in-person sessions in our newly renovated 5,300-square-foot clinic in Jacksonville.
Many moms want a hands-free pumping experience. In the first few months of motherhood, a lot of time is spent breastfeeding or pumping, and unless you’ve got around-the-clock help, you’ll have other tasks to do.
The kitchen has to be cleaned, there’s usually laundry waiting to be folded, emails need answering, and the older child wants you to tie her shoe—again. Being a mom can be stressful, and stress affects breast milk production, not to mention our role as a wife, mother, friend, and every other place we fit into.
“Self-care” is a phrase people talk about a lot these days, as we all coping with the uncertainty and pressure of the ongoing pandemic.
The idea seems simple enough. Take care of yourself. Make sure you have breaks during your busy day. It’s the whole idea of “put your oxygen mask on before you assist others with theirs.”
So, we all know we need to practice self-care. We know the havoc stress, burn out, and endless to-do lists can wreak on our mental and emotional health. Why, then, does self-care often feel like another chore? One more worry gnawing at the back of your mind. For military spouses especially, finding time for self-care can feel impossible.
Mission: Milspouse is a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
EIN Number: 88-1604492
hello@missionmilspouse.org
P.O. Box 641341
El Paso, TX 79904