Tips for Staying Grounded and Finding Joy During the Busy Season
The holiday season is full of excitement, celebration, and anticipation, but for many military moms, it also brings unique challenges. Whether you’re holding down the home front during a deployment, facing the bittersweet feeling of missing your military family, or adjusting to civilian life, the holiday season can be emotionally and physically exhausting. This year, let’s make self-care a priority. Here are some tips to stay grounded and find moments of joy, even in the midst of a busy holiday season.
1. Acknowledge the Unique Challenges
If you’re feeling the weight of the holidays, know that you’re not alone. Military life leaves us with powerful bonds and, sometimes, a sense of loss when we’re separated from our military family. The distance from loved ones or the absence of familiar faces during celebrations can bring up unexpected emotions. Taking a moment to recognize these feelings without judgment can be freeing. Remember, it’s okay to honor your own experiences and the challenges that come with being a military mom during the holidays.
2. Tips for Staying Grounded
Prioritize Rest and Boundaries
In the hustle and bustle of the season, give yourself permission to set boundaries. If a big gathering or extra event feels overwhelming, it’s okay to skip it or attend on your terms. Your time and energy are valuable, and saying “no” is an act of self-care.
Mindful Moments for Recharging
Take moments for small self-care rituals throughout your day. This might be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before tackling a holiday task, journaling for a few minutes, or stepping outside for fresh air. Practicing mindfulness doesn’t have to mean finding an hour to meditate – it’s about creating small pauses that let you recharge.
Honor Your Military Traditions
If there are traditions from your time in the military that you miss, find ways to keep them alive. Setting up a photo wall, sending holiday cards to deployed friends, or raising a toast to those who can’t be home can be a way to bridge the distance. These small acts remind you of the strength and solidarity that come from being part of the military family.
3. Finding Joy in the Season
Stay Connected to Loved Ones
If you’re missing loved ones, find creative ways to stay connected. Virtual “cheers” over video chat, text check-ins, or shared holiday countdowns can keep you close to those who matter. Apps like Zoom, Marco Polo, or Houseparty make it easy to connect, no matter the distance.
Blend Old and New Traditions
Embrace this holiday season as an opportunity to create new traditions with your family. Maybe that means decorating with a mix of patriotic and festive holiday colors, sending care packages to fellow military families, or making a family tradition of baking cookies or decorating ornaments. Blending traditions from your military life with new family rituals can be a beautiful way to honor both parts of your journey.
Practice Gratitude and Reflection
During the holiday season, setting aside time for gratitude can lift your spirits and put things into perspective. Reflect on the ways military life has shaped you and your family – from resilience to adaptability. Simple gratitude exercises, like listing three things you’re thankful for at the end of each day, can foster a sense of joy and peace.
4. Remember You’re Not Alone
One of the greatest gifts of military life is the community that comes with it. While the holidays can make you feel distant from that community, know that there are always ways to stay connected. Many online groups and veterans’ networks offer support and camaraderie, especially for moms in similar situations. A quick post, message, or check-in with an old friend can make all the difference in reminding you of the powerful connections you’ve built.
The holidays may not look the same every year, but they’re always an opportunity to show yourself a little love and care. This season, let’s honor our stories, lean on our community, and find moments of joy, even in the smallest ways. Here’s to finding peace, creating new memories, and giving ourselves the grace we deserve.
Happy holidays to all the strong, resilient, and wonderful military moms out there!
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