8 Self Care Tips As A Military Spouse Going Back to School

It's difficult to over-emphasize the importance of health and wellness, especially for military spouses going back to school to study online. Military families already have busy and unpredictable schedules, and adding school to the mix can be a challenge.

Self-care helps you avoid overwhelm and feel your best, even when adding school to a jam-packed military home life. Here are eight tips to get you started.

Physical Self-Care

A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Even when life gets stressful, do what you need to stay physically healthy.

Tip #1: Get Good Sleep

Adults need seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night. Whenever possible, schedule your school and work responsibilities, so it doesn't bring you below that minimum.

If you can't hit seven hours — if you have young children, for example — come as close as you can.

Tip #2: Move Your Body

Exercise has numerous physical and mental benefits. It reduces the risk of chronic and serious diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. It also relieves stress and improves concentration, boosts your mood and relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Emotional Self-Care

Working out isn't the only way you can manage your emotions. Here are two more strategies you can use daily.

Tip #3: Practice Meditation and Mindfulness

It's easy to feel nervous and get lost in your thoughts when you have a lot on your plate. Meditation and mindfulness teach you to reduce stress and calm racing thoughts, so you feel more focused and in control of your emotions.

Tip #4: Watch a Funny Video

Laughter reduces the brain's stress response and increases the production of "feel-good" hormones such as dopamine and serotonin. Make a playlist of your favorite funny shows or YouTube videos and play them when you start feeling stressed.

Academic Self-Care

Students feel better when school is going well. Set yourself up for success and the entire experience will improve.

Tip #5: Create a Study Space

Find a spot in your house and create a space to study online. Even if it's just a corner of the room, having a dedicated space will tell your brain it's time to study.

Tip #6: Use Student Support Services

Instead of feeling isolated when you study online, choose a school that offers on-demand help. MedCerts gives you dedicated student support every step of the way, including technical and academic assistance.

Financial Self-Care

Money stress has been at its highest levels since 2015. Reduce those anxieties by looking out for your financial health.

Tip #7: Save for the Future

Nearly half of U.S. adults have less savings compared to a year ago. Worry less about the future by putting a little bit into savings each month.

Tip #8: Apply for Student Aid

The My Career Advancement Account, or MyCAA, offers military spouses grant-funded training if their partners are at an eligible pay grade. Use your MyCAA funding to enroll in a MedCerts program, often at no cost to you.

Study Online With MedCerts

MedCerts offers a career-focused education ideal for military spouses. Programs are fully online and prepare you for in-demand fields like IT and healthcare. Get started today.