BOOK EXCERPT 21ST OF A SERIES - U.S. MILITARY

THE RESILIENT WARRIOR

MAKING REALISTIC CHANGES

BY BECKY HANNAH, RN

Book Editor's Note: Featuring self-help, mental health, and mind and body tactics from a variety of sources — veterans, former and active U.S. Marines, Navy, Army Rangers, Green Berets, family members and caretakers — The Resilient Warrior is collaborative collection providing needed wisdom for complete well-being for all of us. The first step to thriving is surviving, and the first step to surviving is knowing how to get what you need, when you need it. The following excerpt of this essential self-help guide to living a healthy, resilient, fulfilled and better life is the twenty first in a series that EP Magazine has featured over the last several months.

• Make the appropriate changes to seek improvement.

• Make sure your goals are actionable, specific, and measurable.

• What is most important to you today, in your life?

• How do you want to live your best warrior life?

• Where do you begin?

• What are the things that refresh and energize you?

• What song, no matter how many times you listen to it, starts your foot tapping?

Let us capture that emotion and surround yourself with that feeling. These are the things that that you need to make part of your present, everyday life. This concept is an approach that focuses on you as a whole person. Get to know yourself and what works for you. Empower your inner Warrior to take charge of your health and your well- being. You are more than your service rifle number, your MOS, your rank, your injuries, or your illnesses. Allow yourself to think about your health, your personal goals, putting yourself first and know you can become your fullest well-being. Are you thriving? Focus on what you are doing well and what are your challenges. Visualize what you want, what is your purpose. Then write down one SMART goal. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Goals are important to your self-care, and they allow a sense of connection, meaning and purpose. Keep your goals focused and brief. Making changes in one area of your life can improve your health. If working on a healthier diet, you can lose weight, maybe increase your ability and duration of exercise. These changes can improve your blood pressure, lower your blood sugars, increase your energy during the day, and improve your sleep at night. Your overall improvement in your health can free your mind to allow you to focus on improved personal growth and development, and improve your relationships with family, friends, and coworkers •