KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea – -- The holiday season is generally a joyous time of year to spend with loved ones.
But for military members in remote locations, this time of year can bring feelings of loneliness, stress and isolation.
The Wolf Pack Integrated Resilience and Prevention program strives to build resilient Airmen through community. In preparation for the holidays, the Violence Prevention Program and Suicide Prevention Program will offer several resilience events and courses related to personal development, health and fitness, emotional resilience for stress management, as well as gratitude and mindfulness techniques.
“Resilience is the quality that allows people to be knocked down by the adversities of life and then bounce back, finding a path that leads to a stronger position,” said Sheila Bacon, manager of the 8th Fighter Wing, Violence and Suicide Prevention Programs. “The phrase 'Tis the season to be jolly' can either be absolutely true during the holidays, or the complete opposite.”
The holidays can be an emotional and stressful time. According to Bacon, this anxiety can come from a variety of reasons like family conflicts, financial worries, or even deployments.
While some of these factors may be beyond our control, there are several ways to help fight the stress of the season by focusing on our resilience skills, Bacon said. We can learn to be more mindful and, in turn, more grateful. To sustain resiliency starting with mindfulness can go a long way.
“Mindfulness means giving attention and awareness to the present moment. Humans spend a lot of time reliving the past and ruminating about the future,” Bacon said. “When we are mindful, we focus on the present experience. So, to practice this, take some time to be still and reflect on the holiday season for what it is. It’s amazing how this simple action can help reduce stress and increase resiliency.”
To get moving and combat feelings of isolation, consider attending a fitness class at the base gym or getting involved with intramural sports opportunities. The Wolf Pack’s Outdoor Recreation program or Information, Tickets and Travel office also offer many options to explore Korea.
The 8th Force Support Squadron has a wide range of events and facilities available to Airmen.
“We understand how it feels being remote and isolated, because we are here too,” said Staff Sgt. Nathan Farley, 8th FSS community services flight. “It’s our job to take care of Airmen, so we offer them a multitude of activities that scale multiple interests.
“Whether it be attending Bingo at the Community Activities Center or hanging out at Wolf Pack Friday events, no matter your interest, we want to make sure Wolf Pack Airmen understand we are here for them during the holiday season and beyond!”
According to Farley, the 8th FSS hosts numerous small events throughout the year, as well as basewide events like Freedom Fest or Oktoberfest, to bring the Airmen together.
For more information on events, facilities and programs offered by the 8th FSS, visit www.kunsanfss.com.
Some information in this article is from the following website:
https://www.acc.af.mil/Home/Comprehensive-Airman-Fitness/