CommanderAca,!a,,cs Corner
Garrison Commander
Fort McPherson & Fort Gillem
From my first day in command here, IAca,!a,,cve been promoting physical fitness.
After all, strong bodies lead to healthy, happy people. Never has the need for us to be healthy been greater than it is today.
An additional benefit of physical health is the boost it gives to mental resiliency.
As part of the ArmyAca,!a,,cs Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program, mental resiliency is a vital aspect of overall health that helps Soldiers (as well as Civilian employees and Family members) avoid self-defeating traps.
So, as we find ourselves dealing with the stresses of the base closure, reduced personnel and resources and a never-ending to-do list, we all need to find our outlet. With that thought in mind, I invite you to hark back to your elementary school English days. As you determine how to best relieve your stress, I want you to use your verbs.
For those of you who can use a refresher, verbs are words that, primarily, convey action. The verbs that first come to mind are very physical: run, walk, jump, climb, swim, etc. YouAca,!a,,cve probably immediately thought of a few others in the same vein.
But there are other action words that may not come to you as quickly, such as photograph, research (yeah, these first two are also nouns, but go with it!), sunbathe, etc. My point is to find something active you like to do Aca,!A| something that gives you peace and allows your batteries to recharge Aca,!A| and continue to pursue that interest.
ItAca,!a,,cs no secret that I like to run. Aside from spending time with my Family, running is my perfect outlet Aca,!" it keeps my body fit and healthy, clears my mind and, as an extra benefit, gives me an opportunity to see whatAca,!a,,cs going on around Fort McPherson as IAca,!a,,cm running whatever course I select that day.
While IAca,!a,,cd love to see everyone on the installation passing by my window as they take their daily jog, I realize thatAca,!a,,cs not realistic. Some individuals physically cannot run, and others donAca,!a,,ct find the joy in it that I do.
But it is realistic to expect everyone on the installation to find something to keep them fit. You may already participate in regular physical fitness. If so, what are some new sports that interest you' If you currently enjoy an individual sport, such as running or swimming, consider trying a team sport, such as baseball or volleyball, just to keep exercising more interesting.
If you donAca,!a,,ct participate in a sport, consider what sports you might enjoy and give them a trial run.
Many sports can be explored for free on Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem, and the equipment can often be checked out from the fitness facilities. ItAca,!a,,cs important not only that you try new sports until you find some you enjoy, but that you give new sports a chance before moving on to something else.
You may be disappointed to find, in your first yoga class, you donAca,!a,,ct have the flexibility the other students have, but hang in there and by the third class; you may be surprised at your improvement.
Take a moment now to determine what verbs work for you. Okay, have you gotten past the sarcastic ones, such as sleeping, eating and breathing, yet'! Now give the question some serious thought. What do you like to do'
Make a list with two columns. In column one, list the physical things you enjoy or think you might enjoy. In the second column, list the mental things you have interest in. After all, fitness isnAca,!a,,ct only a physical thing; itAca,!a,,cs mental, too.
You may find that some of the verbs you list as physical also challenge you mentally (such as scuba diving, where youAca,!a,,cre combining deep-sea swimming with monitoring your depth, pressure, etc.).
Or combine verbs from each column to create a fantastic experience. For example, anyone who loves photography knows thereAca,!a,,cs much more to taking a beautifully composed picture than just pointing and shooting a camera.
It takes thought. By combining a love of photography with a love of hiking, youAca,!a,,cve arranged to have a wonderful physical and mental workout with the added benefit of producing beautiful photographic memories to frame on your wall.
Now that you have a pool of verbs you feel comfortable with, find your motivation. Only you can decide what motivates you the best.
Is it hanging your skinny jeans in view of your treadmill' Planning activities with friends who will cut you no slack in excuses' Or is it a thought, such as that youAca,!a,,cd like to be healthier so that you will feel better, or in hopes of seeing your children grow and become adults themselves'
You may find your motivation in a phrase. You can borrow one or create your own. Find a phrase that will trigger a commitment in you to see the task to the finish. And put a verb in that phrase.
After all, when you explore your verbs, youAca,!a,,cre not just enriching your vocabulary; youAca,!a,,cre enriching your life, too.
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