According to data published in 2021, there are about 16.5 million veterans in the US. Veterans have been a part of American history for a long time, and their efforts to protect and serve their nation have been memorialized since at least the end of the Civil War. However, coming home after active duty can be stressful. Your body and mind have yet to adjust to a life free from rules, regulations, and protocols, which is why it is not uncommon for veterans to feel unwell after returning from service.

As a veteran, while it's understandable that you may face particular challenges adhering to this life, you must get back on your feet. The journey toward wellness is slow, but through consistent efforts, you can recover in no time. Here are some ways you can lead a healthy life and smoothly transition to a routine outside the military.

1. Meet With A Doctor

You may have numerous wounds, conditions, and hidden injuries that need immediate attention. Likewise, you may also be dealing with scars that are not healing as appropriately as they should. When you come home, you should book an appointment. A fresh visit to the hospital can give you a comprehensive outlook on what conditions you may be suffering from that you may not even be aware of. For instance, most veterans have no idea that they may have mesothelioma. This is an aggressive cancer from prolonged asbestos exposure. Veterans comprise 30% of mesothelioma diagnoses, and the symptoms take years to develop.

However, if you test positive for mesothelioma, there are medical and financial resources in place to help you sue the companies that manufactured military ammunition that exposed you to asbestos in the first place. For this reason, you should see a doctor immediately and figure out where your health stands. Your willingness to get looked at will allow the hospital to treat your wounds, get rid of lingering infections, and address emerging conditions like arthritis before they get out of hand. The Mesothelioma Veterans Center aids numerous individuals in discovering treatment alternatives and acquiring financial compensation and VA benefits to combat mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions.

2. Understand Your Limitations

Your vision and hearing may become impaired while you serve at war. Consequently, you may face difficulties doing certain tasks when you get home. As an independent individual, you may find it troubling to ask your loved ones for assistance, but don't jeopardize your safety and theirs by trying to do everything on your own. For example, if your limbs are injured and you have trouble seeing clearly, you shouldn't drive or try to steer any vehicle alone.

However, some modern cars are designed to accommodate people with disabilities; therefore, if it's hard for you to use your previous car, switch it up for a more vehicle that caters to your condition. Use services like taxis and Ubers if you don't feel confident behind the wheel. Your decision to be safe on the road can prevent you from getting into avoidable accidents.

Additionally, if you have trouble walking, you can modify your house to make engaging with it more manageable. The US Department of Veterans Affairs has specific insurance in place that can give you the money you need to make your house suitable for your needs. Whether you want to install support rods, remove the bathtub, or get rid of the staircase, insurance can easily pay for it. As a result, you can move around your house without tripping and risking more injuries, which gives you the space to focus on your health.

3. Become Physically Active

Stamina tends to decrease over time. If you were once active but stopped maintaining your physique, your endurance will fall. For this reason, you should start exercising. Moving your body has numerous benefits. It improves your circulation, expands your lung capacity, and helps you burn pent-up energy. If your diet mainly comprises carbs, good workout sessions can also eliminate these calories, keeping you in shape. Everyone has their own unique approach to physical fitness, and you should find a regime that is comfortable for you to follow.

While some veterans may like intense routines, others prefer calmer ones. As you attempt to become more active, look into various exercise programs you can follow. If you want to start slow, do less stressful activities like walking, light aerobics, and beginners' yoga. Once you can set a pace, take notice and introduce moderate-intensity activities like weight lifting, jogging, and swimming. When you can move without getting breathless or experiencing body aches, you're ready to tackle more significant challenges like cardio, using gym equipment like a stationary bike, and core exercises like planking.

4. Find Your Support System

Being away from family can cause you to drift away from your loved ones. When you return home, you may feel awkward and uncomfortable around your family members. This is natural, since familiarity can fade with time, but it doesn't have to be this way. You can always find your way back to your loved ones by rekindling your bonds with them. A support system does wonders for you. It boosts your mental health and takes care of you physically. For example, your partner can support you by adapting to your new lifestyle.

Having someone in your corner who supports your choices can motivate you to try harder; you may feel less tempted to get off schedule and do your best to stick to a routine. Likewise, you may feel less alienated and alone by conversing with your loved ones. War can be traumatic, but you don't have to carry the weight of loss alone. Let your loved ones know how you feel, express your emotions clearly, and, if needed, let out a tear or two.

Your family can also help you better when they know what you're dealing with; they can connect you to therapists, support groups, and mental health professionals who care for you. By knowing what triggers you, your loved ones can avoid doing those things around you, such as banging the door too loud or blasting loud music. Hence, they can help you establish a support system for yourself and heal the psychological wounds you may have suffered.

Final Thoughts

Wars are brutal, and the aftermath of trauma is even worse. As a veteran, finding your momentum once you return home can be daunting, but you can easily surpass your hurdles. It's important to acknowledge when you need help and take the necessary measures to support yourself. For instance, don't put your health in the backseat by allowing your wounds and injuries to fester longer. Moreover, if you have problems doing everyday activities, look for ways to help you go about your day while considering your condition.

Similarly, motivate yourself to get back into shape and push yourself to establish bonds with the people you care about. Health is not simply about having a good diet and sleeping on time. It also includes mentally, physically, and emotionally regulating yourself.

About the Author:

Ryan Miller is a passionate and creative blogger who loves to write on traveling and relationships. Her writings are focused on prevailing topics and her long term vision is to empower youth in making their decisions.