Sharing our latest wellbeing tips for war widows, defence and veteran families
Looking after your wellbeing is vital, especially for war widows, defence and veteran families navigating unique challenges. Below you’ll find practical tips from our latest Wellbeing Newsletter that could benefit you and your wellbeing!
Creative writing as a therapeutic tool for healing
Close your eyes and picture yourself curled up with a blanket and cup of tea in a cosy nook of an old cottage surrounded by shelves of books and writing journals every colour of the rainbow. A candle flickers as it sits on the window ledge bathing the room in a warm golden glow as the light fades outside on a cold wintry night. A blank notebook lies open on your lap waiting to be written on. You hold a pen in your hand ready for the adventure of storytelling to begin.
Creative writing is a therapeutic tool supporting self-care through emotional expression, deep reflection, and creativity. Writing is a private non-verbal activity which can support vulnerability and provide safety when externalising and navigating trauma allowing for space and time to process and work through the layers of one’s experiences. Creative writing can be healing and grounding as take control of your story and tell it the way you need it to be told whether it be for yourself or to share and connect with others.
Forms of creative writing and their benefits
Creative writing can take many different forms including poetry, short stories, letters, and reflective journaling just to name a few. These metaphorical, descriptive, and symbolic frameworks enable us to externalise and make meaning of our experiences discovering insights into ourselves and others as we reflect on our understanding of situations and events in our lives leading to post traumatic growth and a growth mindset.
If you are interested in finding out how creative writing can support your wellbeing, join us at our first creative writing group via the following registration link here.
Social connection in winter
Winter can be challenging depending on where you live in Australia, with some regions experiencing bitter cold, grey skies, and shorter days that can weigh heavily on mental health. The drop in temperature and reduced daylight can often lead to feelings of loneliness and withdrawal, as people are less likely to venture outdoors or engage in social activities. For defence and veteran families, these challenges can be even more pronounced. The impacts of frequent relocations, isolation from extended support networks, or adjusting to civilian life after service may feel more intense during winter, when the emotional weight of colder, quieter days is harder to ignore.
However, staying socially connected can significantly ease these seasonal pressures. Making the effort to connect with others, whether through a phone call, community event, or shared activity, can improve your mood, provide a sense of belonging, and help combat isolation. Research consistently shows that strong social ties are not only beneficial for mental wellbeing but also contribute to better physical health, enhanced immune response, and increased longevity. For Defence and Veteran families, building and maintaining these connections can be a vital support, especially during the more isolating winter months.
Ways to stay connected this winter
Here are few ways to find warmth and connection and make it a priority during winter.
- Attending Families of Veterans Guild wellbeing activities in Sydney, Canberra or online
- Connecting with your local Families of Veterans Guild War Widows social club located throughout NSW
- Attending local events for Defence families with your local DMFS
- Open Arms provides tips on how to build your social network and list a number of tailored programs and activities developed for veteran families
- While not specific to the Defence and Veteran community, ChattyCafé is available in major Australian cities to meet up with others and make connections.
- Check out what is available at your local community centre or library, as they often offer events for all ages
For more social connection activities join our Facebook group.
Subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter for monthly updates on all activities available in your area, what’s been happening in our Wellbeing Program and also for more tips like this.
