10 Ways to Overcome PCS Stress

PCS season got you feeling stressed? We’ll have you releasing some tension in no time with these tried-and-true stress-relief techniques. Pro tip: Many of these ideas work exceptionally well for other military-life-stress-inducing situations!

1. Stretch/yoga

A simple standing forward bend while being aware of my breathing is often enough to snap me out of a spiral. But, if you need more, hop on YouTube for a quick session. Click here for one of my favorite yoga sessions in under seven minutes!

2. Foam roll

When tension takes its toll on your muscles, pull out your foam roller or a tennis ball. This sometimes-painful task can help you bust tension in a hurry. I enjoy rolling my back to loosen up, but you can roll many major muscles that hold in stress. Check out this resource for easing tension using a foam roller.

3. Take a brisk walk

Study after study after study shows that exercise is a fast way to beat stress and anxiety. You might not have time or feel like a full sweat session, but a brisk walk can be just as effective. When I walk, I make an effort to notice my surroundings—maybe it’s picking out birds singing, looking at each plant I walk by and noting its characteristics, or watching squirrels as they scurry around. Making the effort to focus on the present and be aware of the things going on around you helps you break free from the stress cycle that’s in your mind. You can read on for more about the five stress relief benefits from walking here.

4. Take a 15-minute (timed) break

You have to know yourself for this one. If you sit down, will you get back up? If not, choose something else on this list. If you can get going after a short break then follow along: set a timer for 15 minutes and read a book, watch a hilarious viral video, or even take a quick nap.

5. Drink a big glass of water

Sometimes when I’m feeling unmotivated and anxiety is creeping in, I stop and drink a big glass of water. When things get crazy, self care tends to be the first thing to go. Refreshing your body with a glass of water might be enough to perk right back up.

6. Blast some music

There are few people I know who don’t get pumped up by blasting some loud music. Turn up the tunes, and get to work on that to-do list!

7. Pick one task

Focus on that one single task until it’s finished. Breaking your big list into smaller more manageable pieces can make it easier to fully see them through. Sometimes that means picking one single item and doing it. I usually prioritize by one of two categories: What has to be done first or what is my least favorite thing on this list? I almost always default to tackling my least favorite job so I get it over with.

8. Set a timer and hustle!

Are you overwhelmed by a long to-do list? This technique is perfect to get you going. Pick a few things and set a timer. Race yourself to finish a set number of items in your time frame. I sometimes set it for as short as 15 minutes for smaller lists and up to one hour for bigger projects.

9. Peaceful image visualization

Sometimes you need to escape, without actually going anywhere.

• First, get comfortable. This can be done anywhere, but it’s better with in a quiet, private space (parents, hide out in your closet!).
• Guide your mind through a favorite place—a vacation destination, a dreamy place to you (it’s almost always a beach for me), or a favorite place you like to hike.
• Pick an image and fill your mind with it. What colors are there? What does it smell like? Maybe you smell tropical flowers wafting in the breeze. What does it sound like? Do you hear birds chirping? What does it feels like? Is there a cool breeze on your skin, or is the sun shining on you?
• You can also visualize yourself accomplishing a big goal. In this case, imagine yourself settled in your new home, with your new milspouse besties dropping by!

Click these links for two great places to learn more about visualization techniques.

10. Acupressure

You can do acupressure anywhere! Two of my favorite points are my shoulders and between my thumb and index finger. Find a few more ideas and how to do it: Pressure points for anxiety and How to use acupressure for stress.