Self care is so important during deployments. However self comfort and self care are very two different ideas that are often confused. Self care is an activity or practice that is done to relieve stress or take your mind off of whatever is troubling you. Self comfort also eases your mind of stress but in a less healthy way. For example self comfort is like eating a hamburger because you “need it” or going for a drink because it is the only thing that will make your day a little better. In all honesty these things are not wrong or severely harmful unless they are done for long periods of time. Sometimes is it okay to say I really just need something in this moment to make me feel better. However self care is a little different and even healthier. Practicing self care is taking responsibility for where you are emotionally and physically and promotes long term health. Self-care could be taking a bath or going for a run or attending a dance class.
Other examples of self care:
Cooking a healthy meal
Exercise
Watching you favorite movie
Laughter ( Going to a comedy event)
Taking a long bath or shower
Spending time talking to friends and loved ones
Writing a letter to your significant other that is deployed
Link to this awesome book:
Military Relationships 