MEDCoE Soldiers get ready for Holiday Block Leave

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –

Many U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence Soldiers will get the opportunity to return home and spend this holiday season with family and friends for “Holiday Block Leave.”

In order to have a happy, healthy and safe holiday, this season, due to infectious disease concerns, Soldiers should take preventative measures while traveling and on leave.

Going home is an exciting time to reconnect with family and friends. It’s also a time filled with shopping, gifts, festivities, joyous music, holiday parties and much more.

However, for some this can be a challenging time. Remember, the holidays are also a time for rest and relaxation too. For some people, instead of being a season of joy, they may experience increased stress, feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. This is often referred to as the “Holiday Blues.”

Here are a few tips to help beat the holiday blues:

Ask for help. Call Army One Source at 1-800-342-9647, or Call/text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, services provided 24/7/365, confidential support to anyone in emotional distress or crisis.
Take it one day at a time. Try to avoid looking at this time of year as the “holiday season,” instead try to break it down day by day, it is easier to think “I can get through this day” rather than thinking “I can get through this season.”
Stay connected. You don’t need to be Superman or Superwoman. You do not need to wing it alone, depend on close family and friends to help you through this time.
Build feelings of purpose by volunteering to help others.
Set realistic goals for holiday activities. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment or guilt by spending too much or trying to create the perfect party or meal.
Take a break from news and social media and try to make more meaningful connections.
It’s okay to say “no.” Go ahead and practice right now. Say the word “no” three times to yourself. It may take some getting used to.
Manage expectations. Life happens and it’s normal when things don’t work out exactly like we expect it to, so don’t blame and beat yourself up.