Anzac Day is a significant day for many Australians and New Zealanders, a time for remembrance and reflection on the sacrifices made by past and present service members. While it’s a day of national pride and solemn respect, it can also stir deep emotions.
Here are some ways to practice self-care and maintain your mental and emotional well-being on this poignant day.
1. Acknowledge Your Emotions
It’s natural to experience a spectrum of feelings on Anzac Day. Whether you’re attending a dawn service, participating in a march, or spending time in quiet contemplation, it’s important to acknowledge and accept your emotions. Allow yourself to feel without judgment.
2. Connect with Community
Anzac Day is about camaraderie and community. Whether it’s attending a local service, joining in the national minute of silence, or simply catching up with friends or family, connecting with others can provide comfort and a sense of shared experience.
3. Reflect and Remember
Take some time to reflect on the significance of the day. This might involve reading stories or watching documentaries about the Anzacs, visiting a war memorial, or engaging in your own personal ritual of remembrance.
4. Stay Physically Active
Engaging in physical activity, whether it’s a morning walk, a game of two-up, or some gentle yoga, can help manage stress and improve mood. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties.
5. Seek Support if Needed
If you find the day particularly challenging, reach out for support. Talk to a friend or family member, or consider seeking support from professional services if your feelings become overwhelming.
6. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation
Engaging in mindfulness or relaxation techniques can help center your thoughts and calm your emotions. Consider practices like deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calming music.
7. Nurture Yourself
Engage in activities that nourish and rejuvenate you. This could be as simple as enjoying a cup of tea in silence, reading a book, or taking a warm bath.
Anzac Day is a time of national reflection, remembrance, and pride. While we honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Anzacs, it’s also important to take care of our own well-being. By incorporating these self-care practices, you can navigate the day with a sense of balance and peace, ensuring that while we remember the past, we also look after our present and future.
About FearLess
FearLess is a charity that works with people living with the consequences of post traumatic stress (often referred to as PTSD). We also help family members in any way affected by it. Our community members come from all walks of life including those living with PTSD and their families or people who want to do their bit to make the lives of people living with post traumatic stress more enjoyable and fulfilling. Our work complements the activities of other community-based organisations and government agencies that provide services to people with post traumatic stress.
This website has been established to provide information about PTSD to the Australian and New Zealand community. The website’s content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the advice of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your own circumstances. You should not disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of any information contained on this website.
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