The Wolf Pack beating holiday blues

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea – The holiday season is generally a joyous time of year to spend with loved ones and revel in much-needed rest and relaxation. But for military service 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 a resilient Airman, structure and community. In preparation for the holidays, the Violence Prevention Program and Suicide Prevention Program will be offering several resilience events and courses related to personal development, health and fitness, emotional resilience for stress management and grateful & mindfulness techniques.

“Resilience is the quality that allows some people to be knocked down by the adversities of life and bounce back finding a path that leads to a stronger position,” said Sheila Bacon, 8th Fighter Wing, Violence Prevention Program manager and Suicide Prevention Program manager. “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 many reasons such as 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, stated Bacon. 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,” said Bacon. “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 or Information, Tickets and Travel also offer many options to explore Korea.

The 8th Force Support Squadron has a wide range of events and facilities. According to Staff Sgt. Nathan Farley, 8th Force Support Squadron community services flight, Airmen can visit a number of facilities to help keep you connected and get you out of your room.

“We have multiple facilities, from the Community Activities Center, Bowling Center, Outdoor Recreation & Art’s n Crafts, and the Loring Club [in addition to] the Community Partnership Program Office (CPPO),” said Staff Sgt. Nathan Farley, 8th Force Support Squadron community services flight CPPO.

They also host numerous events throughout the year at specific locations or base-wide events such as Freedom Fest or Oktober Fest to bring the Pack together.

“We understand how it feels being remote and isolated because we are here with you,” said Farley “It’s our job to take care of the Airmen so we offer them a multitude of activities that scale multiple interests whether it be attending CAC Bingo or hanging out at the Wolf Pack Friday events, no matter your interest we want to make sure the Wolf Pack Airmen understand we are here for them during the Holiday season and beyond!”

Overall, the Wolf Pack encourages everyone to use the resources provided. There are a number of ways to stay resilient and focus on our emotional and physical health, while being there for one another in the process.

Some information in this article is from the following website:
https://www.acc.af.mil/Home/Comprehensive-Airman-Fitness/