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.
