Navy Veteran John Leaf experienced a lot of stress in Vietnam. He dealt with it over the years by throwing himself into his work and looking for something to hide his stress. He found help at VA.
Body mechanics refers to the way you move during daily activities. Proper body mechanics can help reduce injury and pain. Good posture strengthens your body.
Meditation may be able to help Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Learn about a meditative practice available through VA called the Mantram Repetition Program. Also compassion meditation.
Mindfulness is about giving yourself permission to slow down, to be fully engaged in the moment without judgement. Becoming aware of your surroundings, thoughts, feelings, and sensations that you might be experiencing allows you to become more thoughtful with how you respond to moments in your daily life.
Nature speaks in a universal language, understandable by all. Since we can learn about our surroundings, we can use nature to enhance our mindful awareness.
Mindful awareness is being fully aware and tuned in to what is going on right now, in the present moment. It takes time to cultivate mindful awareness, but with practice, it comes naturally.
The Seeing Lens, a photography program at Lebanon VAMC, teaches mindfulness to Veterans in recovery. Each week focuses on a different aspect of recovery and ties it to a photographic technique.
Intimate partner relationships can experience increased stress over the holidays. VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program can help. Here’s some assistance in promoting relationship wellness.
Findings from clinical trials suggest mindfulness can aid in recovery from PTSD.
Clinical geropsychologist Dr. Christine Gould is a researcher with the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. She is currently studying the effectiveness of a relaxation program for older Veterans with anxiety, and the best ways to deliver it.
In an effort to decrease drug dependency, VA is actively […]