Top 6 Ways for Veterans to Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

A veteran is known for their experience in a particular field - and usually follows a military connotation. By the convention, anyone who has served in the military fighting unit and is now often under their retirement phase is known as a military veteran. For military veterans, life is rarely easy, especially after retirement. Transitioning from a strict life of protocols and military time to that of a civilian is quite difficult. It is especially true for those veterans who have been discharged due to disability and suffered due to a hostile situation.

Statistica’s report shows the US Census Bureau about 1.66 million veterans with service-connected disabilities.  Though the military facilitates its veterans in healthcare and job opportunities, many are still not ready to pay bills like normal people. 

The troubles don’t end there. In the USA, about 4 out of 10 veterans claimed they didn’t get proper assistance from the government after their service life.  Being out in the warzones and fearing for one’s life every second takes its toll. Many veterans face immense difficulty in adopting the civilian lifestyle. Many veterans develop severe mental issues along with various ailments. 

However, there are several ways through which veterans can take great care of themselves and ensure a healthy lifestyle. They are all given below. 

Top 6 Ways for Veterans to Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

Seeking Compensation 

If you suffer from a service-related disability or health condition, the government is liable to give you compensation. The government often offers special healthcare services to veterans discharged due to a specific ailment or disability. 

An example would be mesothelioma navy compensation. The Navy has the highest ratio of working with asbestos than any other branch. As a result, some navy veterans often develop mesothelioma cancer from exposure to asbestos materials. Veterans with asbestos diseases and other disabilities due to their service period often get specialized care from the US Depart of Veteran Affairs. Such health services are a great way to save money and effort that would otherwise be spent on seeking quality doctors. 

Prioritizing Mental Health

Mental health is one of the biggest issues for veterans. There are a large number of veterans who suffer from various mental illnesses like depression and PTSD. According to The National Library of Medicine, nearly 500,000 USA veterans who served during the war for these past 13 years have PTSD. Similarly, shifting towards a civilian lifestyle and facing a different form of worry is quite stressful for some. Many find it difficult to connect to their families or open their minds to new experiences. As a result, mental struggles are quite common for many veterans. 

The best thing that many veterans can do is to prioritize their mental health and seek therapies or treatments. Usually, there are plenty of mental health support groups that veterans can join. 

Taking Care of Diet

As a veteran, your diet will now change significantly. You no longer have to gulp down quick meals while being on the move. Therefore, you should take great care of your diet. Taking care of diet is essential for veterans suffering from specific health conditions. Even if they don’t have any physical ailments, a proper and healthy diet can benefit them the most. 

Usually, veterans are aging adults, and due to that reason, highly digestible foods are a healthy option. Proper foods like whole grains and minimally processed items are best for such aged veterans. 

Exercising Properly

A healthy body has a sound mind. When you are physically fit, your body will grow immunity against old age diseases like diabetes or heart problems. 

Exercising is one of the most crucial parts for veterans. The reason is that most of the time, they have gotten exercise as a part of their grueling routine. Moving in the field or performing regular tasks required a level of fitness. However, shifting towards a life that doesn’t require a fitness regimen makes it easier to ditch the exercising routine. 

Setting a new routine for exercise that includes aerobics and strength training will benefit you in the long run. It will keep you in shape and help you cope with many mental stresses.  If you have a service-related disability, it is best to visit your medical professional first and get yourself a set of peculiar exercises that suit your condition. Hiring a personal trainer is also a good idea. 

Learning About Finances

Learning about finances can be a great stress reliever. Due to the sudden transition to civilian life, many veterans find it hard to watch their finances properly. Some of them have never dealt with financial calculations. As a result, it is not uncommon for veterans to give into financial stress. 

Depression, anxiety, and nervousness are often the result of such worries. Such mental pressures can sometimes lead to substance abuse and many similar unhealthy coping mechanisms. As a veteran, you will save a lot of mental trouble if you learn about financial management. It will not only help you watch your dollars better, but it will also save you from many mental struggles.  

Bond With Family and Friends

Life becomes easier when you have friends and family to support you. As a veteran, it might be difficult for you to live a normal life where socialization is an important part. It is not an uncommon habit for veterans to make new friends after their retirement. Seek support groups or therapies if you cannot bond with your friends or family. 

Veterans who successfully bond with their families lead a very healthy lifestyle. Family and friends are the free emotional, and mental support veterans need the most in their life. 

Final Thoughts

Leading a healthy lifestyle requires effort. It is especially true for veterans who suffer from chronic health conditions or mental ailments. Keeping their body and mind healthy is very crucial for them.  To remain in their best health, veterans should do the following things.  

• Seek healthcare compensation provided by the government.

• Taking care of their mental health and diet.

• Exercising.

• Learning financial management.

• Bonding with friends and family members.

• Veterans who take these steps find their transition to a civilian lifestyle much smoother and less stressful. 

We hope you like this article and found it useful. However, if you feel we may have missed out on some aspects, feel free to add that in the comments section below.