JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
As we navigate these uncharted waters surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and response, let me start by saying “thank you.”
At every turn, everyone has had a calming presence and “can-do attitude” no matter the situation, which we all need more now than ever before. As Airmen, each and every one of us understands we have to care of our people and the mission, but please don’t lose focus of taking care of yourself.
In times of distress, it is even more important that we tap into the four interconnected dimensions of spiritual, mental, emotional and physical that Chris Diaz from the Human Performance Institute notes keeps us healthy and strong.
Spiritual
- Focus your energy on what you want, not on what you don’t want
- Spend 15 minutes 3 times a week sitting quietly and meditating, or reflect while taking a walk
- Upload a picture on your phone of something that inspires you to remind yourself what is most important.
Mental
- Read one new book each month or find a podcast to help build mental capacity
- Stimulate your creativity by learning something new and different
- Focus on one thing at a time
Emotional
- Seek joy by finding ways to engage in laughter
- Everyday reflect on the 3 things you are most grateful for
- When you are upset, engage in 1 minute of deep breathing to help recover your emotional energy
Physical
- Snacks should be low glycemic
- Eat no more than 5 handfuls of food per meal
- Do interval training up to 3 non-consecutive days each week
- Do resistance training at least 2 non-consecutive days each week
- Remember, some exercise is better than none at all
As Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, our commander at Air Education and Training Command, has said, “calm is contagious” and by focusing on your self-care, we’re all perpetuating this mindset as we face this war against COVID-19.
For more COVID-19 information and resources, visit www.af.mil/News/Coronavirus-Disease-2019/.