Make the Most of Holiday Moments
Incorporating tradition into life is a SOF Healthy Checkpoint [LINK]. If you served a career in special operations, you probably do not have many strong traditions built into your life. Throughout history, tradition has been a cornerstone to living with purpose. It plays an important role in living well in and after service because traditions (big and small) are an acknowledgement and transfer of customs and beliefs with people you care about.
Tradition does not need to be complicated to be meaningful. A simple holiday tradition may consist of a dinner with particular recipes, participating in or attending a nativity or holiday program, exchanging gifts a particular way, volunteering, or any number of other routines.
If the holidays cause extra stress or anxiety, here are 4 strategies you can try to make the most of the season [LINK].
- Recognize signs of stress [LINK].
- To build/create new holiday memories, try this simple exercise [LINK] taught by a SOF cognitive performance coach, Dr. Megan Vaughn.
- If you have positive childhood memories/traditions, recall foods, scents, sights, sounds, people, events, or activities that impacted you growing up (particular decorations/light sightings, eggnog at night, story behind an ornament, special cake/candies/foods, holiday workout, etc). Why do you remember it? Share 1 or 2 of those traditions with your family or a friend this year. If you need to build new memories.
- Manage stress or anxiety in the moment with the 4-7-8 breathing exercise [LINK].
It is normal to feel stressed when you are building new norms into how you live. This is especially normal and expected for anyone who served in special operations. Try one of these simple strategies and strengthen the traditions in your life. You find some extra joy in the holiday season and strengthen bonds with the people you care most about in every area of your life.
About the Authors
Article written by KaLea Lehman and Dr. Megan Vaughn. Dr. Vaughn is a cognitive neuroscientist with extensive experience working with the special operations community. Learn More about Dr. Vaughn at iPerformanceLabs.com
