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!
Social connection: connecting over a shared meal
Studies have shown that bringing people together to cook and share a meal has many health and wellbeing benefits including connection, belonging, purpose, stress reduction, emotional regulation, increased communication skills, achievement, space to slow down, digest, practice gratitude, and engage in intentional self-care through a whole-body sensory experience.
Historically, communal cooking and eating formed an important part of life in many cultures across the world, particularly cultures where generations live and work together under one roof. Eating together and preparing large feasts provides time out for families and communities to connect, reflect, and share wisdom and knowledge. Today, modern forms of instant communication and technology have led to many families eating together less and an increase in fast and convenient food as individuals and families navigate a cost-of-living crisis, fast paced schedules, and independent lives away from family networks. As a result, food preparation and cooking has become an inconvenience, and we are no longer benefiting from the health and wellbeing benefits.
Due to impacts and requirements of defence service, war widows and families of veterans are often living far away from family and community networks leading to disconnection and social isolation. One way we can support you feel connected is through wellbeing activities. If you are interested in experiencing the healing benefits of coming together to prepare and share a meal you are invited to join us at our upcoming wellbeing activity – Cook and Connect: Veteran Family Dinner Online.
Self-Care through mindfulness, sleep hygiene
Life does not always follow a typical routine for defence and veteran families. Between deployments, relocation, the stress that comes with the service life or navigating life after service or loss, it is very easy for sleep to take a back seat. Ongoing impacts of grief too for many families including war widows can have negative impacts on sleep.
Getting good quality rest for yourself and your whole family, can make a huge difference for both your physical and mental health to improve productivity and overall quality of life. Being mindful of small habits, like following a nightly routine, limiting screen time before bed, staying active during the day and getting enough sunlight, can have a big impact.
These changes can boost your mood and emotional resilience, improve cognitive functioning and even strengthen your immune system. Looking after yourself is the first step toward showing up as your most authentic self and being better equipped to deal with daily stressors.
The Sleep Foundation is a great resource to learn more about building healthy and long-lasting sleep habits and getting the rest you need.
Subscribe to our Wellbeing Newsletter for monthly updates on all activities available in your area, whats been happening in our Wellbeing Program and also for more tips like this.
