CVSO Office Updates
Hello, Olmsted County’s Finest! Hope you’ve been enjoying the summer- taking time to connect with friends and family- and finding moments to be grateful and proud for the freedom you fought for. This month we discuss education benefits, which is fitting with the start of a new school year right around the corner.
I’m sure many of our avid readers have noticed, each month we cover a different topic. These topics come from a variety of ‘one-page’ resource guides that the Veteran’s Benefits Administration has created. They are not only helpful for our team here with OCVS, but for veterans looking into and/or curious about the benefits they may be eligible. Many of these resources have generic call center phone numbers and web links, however, our office can answer all questions OR direct you to the proper department- bypassing some of the phone traffic.
Apply for VA Education Benefits
This article will discuss applying for VA Education Benefits, including:
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Other education assistance programs
VA Education Benefits Application Checklist
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Decide which type of VA education benefit you want to use.
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Learn about schools with VA-approved programs using the GI Bill Comparison Tool:
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See out-of-pocket costs for each school.
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Compare graduation and loan repayment rates.
We encourage you to contact our SE Regional Coordinator for educational benefits, Mark Larsen. Mark is the person we direct all of our education questions to. He can be reached at 507-779-9375 or via email at: mark.larsen@state.mn.us
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Apply to the program that fits your goals.
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Discharge papers (DD214 member-4 or equivalent)
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Activation orders (if you served in the Guard or Reserves)
Apply using one of the following methods:
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Apply in-person at a VA Regional Office.
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Work with your school’s VA certifying official (usually in the Registrar or Financial Aid office).
For questions or help with your benefit, call the VA Education Call Center: 888-442-4551
Am I Eligible for VA Education Benefits?
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Length and era of service
Note: Not all Veterans are eligible. Contact the VA to verify your eligibility as soon as possible.
Do I Have to Use Benefits for College?
No! VA education benefits can be used for:
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Non-College Degree Programs
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Entrepreneurship Training
- Licensing and Certifications
Types of VA Education Benefits (Summary Table)
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Service on or after 9/11/2001
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Covers 40%–100% of tuition; includes housing and books stipend
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Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty
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Active duty + high school diploma or GED
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Monthly payment for education (see rates online)
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Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve
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6-year commitment to Selected Reserve (while serving)
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Monthly payment for education (see rates online)
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Survivors' and Dependents’ Assistance (DEA)
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Spouse or child of qualifying Veteran
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Monthly payment for tuition and fees (see rates online)
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Other Questions You May Have:
What Is the Yellow Ribbon Program?
Helps cover costs not paid by the Post-9/11 GI Bill, such as:
How Does My Disability Rating Affect My Benefits?
If you have a disability rating of 10% or higher, you may qualify for:
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Personalized job training
Can I Transfer My GI Bill Benefits to My Family?
Yes, if you're still serving, you may be able to transfer up to 36 months of education benefits to:
Are Survivors or Dependents Eligible?
Yes, survivors/dependents of a Veteran may qualify if the Veteran:
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Died while on active duty, OR
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Is permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected condition, OR
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Is hospitalized for a service-connected total disability, and likely to be discharged for it
Cheers to August my friends- keep bringing light into this world, finding the joy, and lifting each other up.
  Tiffany Canfield
Veteran Services Manager
Veteran Service Office Snapshot
June 2025
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 100
- VA Healthcare: 13
- DIC: 1
- Burial: 25
- Survivor’s Pension: 1
- CHAMPVA: 2
- Records Request: 2
- Special Monthly Pension: 0
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls
returned, emails returned, etc.): 451
Veterans in office: 106
Outreach visits: 4
Total phone calls: 276
Average number of calls per day:
Average call length: 3 minutes and 4 seconds
Women Veterans Spotlight
I am Adventurous: I enjoy new experiences and am willing to take chances.
Last month I was struggling to find words to put to paper (or Microsoft Word...lol) and this month I feel like I'm ready to write a novel. For everyone’s sake, I won’t write a novel, BUT, I do want to share what’s been on my mind the past few weeks.
Last month I was feeling drained and tired and in need of rest. I spoke with my mentor/coach and talked through some of the feelings I was having about work and my life in general. I am someone who has been a hustler/grinder for as long as I can remember. In fact, I don’t remember a time that I WASN’T chasing after a goal, an achievement, or something just, more. In many conversations I have had with my mentor a common theme has presented itself. REST. Weird right? Coming from the woman who is constantly on the move - working full time, navigating schedules, raising 4 kids, trying to take care of my body, worrying about all these things. It’s EXHAUSTING!!
When I think about this life, this beautiful and amazing life we live, we as women, haven’t been taught how to rest (at least I never was). So, we spend our days, our time, our energy chasing after the next thing, achievement, or accomplishment.
I was encouraged to reflect this past month on how I find rest. I keep thinking about how to find a graceful balance between the daily grind and peace and contentment. It’s hard though, because that doesn’t come easy to me. Throw in some past trauma, people pleaser in recovery, children, expectations of myself and others.. And woof...
All that to say, I’ve been thinking about rest and how to find balance in the hustle, and for me it has got to be a black and white thing- which my therapist would scold me for. I'm a person who is all or nothing- I struggle to live in the ‘gray’ space. So, each day in the morning and night, I’ve been thinking about the hustle and the rest and how I can figure out a way to have them co-exist (newsflash- I haven’t figured it out, but I’ll let you know when I do).
When I am in my ‘all or nothing’ state of mind, I like to procrastinate. It’s my maladaptive coping skill. I realized this past month though, that there is beauty in ripping the band aid off and just doing the THING I'm putting off. I am starting to slowly realize that when I do the thing I don’t want to do (dishes, laundry, a workout, lay on the floor and play with my kids when I’d rather read my book or zone out to a tv show) I’m able to rest easy later on. When I deeply analyze my feelings at the end of a busy or crazy day, I resort to and focus on all the things I didn’t do. When I do those one or two loads of laundry, or unload the dishwasher quick before bed, or put my book down and really focus and play with my kids for 15 minutes, I find that I feel so much peace at the end of the day.
So maybe this life isn’t about figuring out how to get out of doing tasks that don’t bring us joy. Or doing less things/tasks in a day, even though this would be nice. Or maybe it’s not even about finding balance (unpopular opinion). Maybe it’s about finding peace in the tasks knowing that you can lay down at night feeling proud of accomplishing hard things AND truly resting easy. Maybe it’s a mindset shift and realizing that we all put the uniform on and did incredibly hard things while we were in the military, why can’t we use that same mentality now? This maybe isn’t groundbreaking or revolutionary stuff for you all, but I can say these thoughts have been living rent free in my head lately and now I'm just looking for opportunities to practice this. When I was in the military, we always used to say to each other “Embrace the suck” and we'd laugh and bond over doing the worst tasks. I am currently contemplating how to find a water bottle sticker that says #embracethesuck so I always have a little reminder with me.
This theory is a work in progress, so I plan to continue running research on it for the next few months. I'll report back with my findings.
In theme with our mantra this month- be adventurous, do hard things, find the peace and contentment in the mundane daily stuff, and love the absolute shit out of your life, because it’s a good one. This is me giving us all a permission slip to do what we want, because we are the bosses of our own lives and make space to enjoy what we’ve built for ourselves.
-Tiffany
“You can’t raise the bar without raising a little hell”- so let’s raise some hell, shall we ladies??
Karen's Korner
Is there something you want to learn more about? If you have questions, more than likely, other veterans have the same questions.
We are always looking for new articles for this newsletter. If you have something you would like to know, or tell others about, please send me an email karen.applen@olmstedcounty.gov and I will do my best to assist you.
National Purple Heart Day
Purple Heart Day is observed on Aug. 7 each year and is a time for Americans to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. Purple Heart Day is also known as National Purple Heart Day, Purple Heart Recognition Day, and Purple Heart Appreciation Day.
Purple Heart Day will be observed on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025.
The holiday was first observed in 2014 and is considered an unofficial observance meaning that businesses, government offices, etc. do not close on this day.
How Purple Heart Day is Observed
- States, counties, and cities pause in recognition of the service and sacrifice of their local sons and daughters as do sports and entertainment entities.
- Major League Baseball teams pay homage to their local Purple Heart recipients during special pre-game and 7th-inning ceremonies.
- Veteran and military organizations hold remembrance meetings for fallen heroes and special events to thank soldiers, veterans, and Purple Heart recipients on this day.
- The Purple Heart Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, recommends donating time and money to the foundation or to other organizations working with Purple Heart recipients.
- People take the time to listen to soldiers and veterans and learn more about their life stories and their military service.
- American flags are flown at homes and businesses.
Criteria For Receiving a Purple Heart
The Purple Heart has a long list of criteria for eligibility-too long to list here. But in general, it may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been wounded, killed in action, or have died or may die from wounds received in any action against the United States, action with an opposing armed force, the results of any hostile “foreign force” and many other situations where men and women in uniform may find themselves under attack.
In general, the Purple Heart is awarded for injuries sustained because of an enemy attack. Injuries sustained for other reasons not related to things “not caused by enemy agents” are generally not acceptable as grounds for receiving the Purple Heart, though friendly fire injuries do qualify as long as the friendly fire was intended for the enemy. The Purple Heart is now given to persons who are injured, wounded, or died while a prisoner of war (POW).
The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH)
Purple Heart Recipients can join The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) which was formed in 1932. It is composed exclusively of men and women who have received the Purple Heart and is the only veterans service organization with only “combat” veterans as members. It’s estimated that more than a million Purple Hearts have been awarded and there are about 45,000 MOPH members today.
Why is the Purple Heart Purple?
One contemporary interpretation of the color of the Purple Heart is that the color represents the blood of all those who have made sacrifices in war, but traditionally the color is thought to represent the courage of those who serve. The original color of the Badge of Military Merit was purple, so it is logical that when the Purple Heart was created to celebrate George Washington’s bicentennial, the original color of the medal he created would be used to honor his memory.
History of The Purple Heart’s Long And Winding Road
The Purple Heart began as something called the Badge of Military Merit, an honor created by General George Washington in 1782. The honor was only presented to enlisted soldiers who had performed a “singularly meritorious action.” Only a handful of these were awarded, and following the American Revolution, the Badge of Military Merit didn’t become a permanent fixture among the various other awards and decorations given to those who served.
But the spirit of the Badge of Military Merit would be honored again in 1932 when the Purple Heart award was created to honor the bicentennial of George Washington’s birthday. World War One saw the first Purple Hearts awarded to soldiers, presented on the site of the final encampment of the Continental Army in Windsor, New York.
The Purple Heart took many years to evolve into what it is known today. When General Douglas MacArthur signed General Order #3 establishing the modern Purple Heart, it was not authorized to be awarded to anyone except those serving in the Army or the Army Air Corps. A presidential order signed in 1942 opened the Purple Heart to all branches of the military including the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Modern Purple Heart
World War Two saw the Purple Heart change from an award for meritorious service to one honoring those wounded or killed in combat. Criteria for receiving a Purple Heart has also changed over the years; military members may be eligible for this honor if they are wounded or killed as a result of an act of terrorism or in qualifying circumstances where friendly fire was involved. There are also Purple Heart benefits afforded to the men and women that are awarded Purple Hearts.
VA Travel Pay
How to get reimbursed for your VA-related travel
If you’re traveling for a VA health care appointment, VA will reimburse you for travel costs, including mileage, tolls, parking and authorized hotel stays, if you’re eligible. Your caregiver can get reimbursed, too.
Filing a travel claim online is easy and the fastest way to receive reimbursement.
Let’s look at a few specifics of the program.
Who’s eligible?
VA offers two types of travel benefits under the Beneficiary Travel Program: general health care travel and special mode transportation. As a Veteran, you may be eligible for one or both. You may be eligible if you:
- Have a service-connected rating of 30% or more.
- Are traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition.
- Receive a VA pension, or your income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension.
- Are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension exam.
- Have vision impairment, spinal cord injury or disorder, double or multiple amputation, enrollment in VA rehabilitation programs.
Caregivers are also eligible for travel benefits when they are traveling with a Veteran who qualifies for the Beneficiary Travel Program.
There are a few other eligible groups. If you have questions about your eligibility, reach out to your facility’s Beneficiary Travel Department or call VA’s Beneficiary Travel toll-free call center at 855-574-7292. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
What types of travel can VA provide or reimburse?
VA can reimburse eligible persons for mileage driven in a personal vehicle and transportation by a rideshare or public transportation, like a bus, taxi, or plane. In addition, when medically justified by a VA health care provider, a special mode of transportation, such as an ambulance or wheelchair van, may be approved for Veterans who are eligible for beneficiary travel.
What is the best way to get paid back?
File a claim using the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS). Combining electronic filing with direct deposit is the fastest way to get your beneficiary travel payment. BTSSS claims, on average, take 5-7 days to process via direct deposit.
While you can still file a paper claim or receive a paper check, paper methods take longer to process. Paper claims, which must be entered manually, require 10-13 days for processing and take even longer to receive if the payment is made by paper check.
How to file a travel claim using BTSSS?
To get started, visit AccessVA and select “I am a Veteran” or “I am a Family Member,” then select the “Veteran Travel Claim Entry” icon and click “Access VA.” You will be prompted to verify your identity using either ID.me or Login.gov.
“Using the BTSSS digital claim option ensures accurate mileage calculations, faster claims processing and more log-in options,” said TaKeshia Trevino, chief of the Veterans Transportation Program at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. “Veterans should absolutely use this system for eligible travel claims!”
Claim the benefits you earned
Don’t leave money behind. You might get $20 for a 50-mile round-trip to VA—and that’s $20 not coming out of your pocket.
BTSSS means less waiting, easier reimbursing, and more chances to say, “cha-ching!”
For more information about how to file for travel pay reimbursement, visit VA’s beneficiary travel webpage.
What is the COMPACT Act?
We want all Veterans and former service members to know that they can get free, emergency suicide care when they need it, no matter where they are. .
Below we break down what this means for you and your loved ones should you need emergent suicidal care.
What it is
- Any Veteran – whether enrolled in VA or not – can go to a VA or non-VA emergency room for emergent suicidal care.
- We strongly recommend Veterans in suicidal crisis call 911 or visit their nearest emergency room for expedited care. Veterans may go to a Wilmington VA community outpatient clinic however, our clinics are only open Monday – Friday during normal business hours.
- VA will provide the treatment or cover the costs for treatment including transportation, inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days, and outpatient care for up to 90 days
Who is eligible for COMPACT Act related services?
Regardless of VA enrollment status, COMPACT-eligible individuals are:
- Former members of the armed forces who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former members of the armed forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
- Former members of the armed forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.
Q3 Does a Veteran need to be enrolled in the VA system to receive COMPACT-related emergency care when in an acute suicidal crisis?
- No, any Veteran who was discharged from the armed forces with more than 24 months of active duty;
- any former active or reserve service member who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable;
- or any former member of the armed forces who was the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces is eligible
What information do Veterans need to provide to emergency department staff to let them know they are eligible for VA to pay for or provide their care?
- If a Veteran is enrolled in VA health care, they should let the emergency department staff know they receive their care from VA.
- If a Veteran is not enrolled in VA healthcare, they should inform the emergency department staff. This allows the VA to provide care regardless of enrollment status and ensures that the Veteran’s eligibility for specific types of care under the COMPACT Act can be properly determined after receiving treatment in a VA emergency department.
Does a community emergency department need an agreement with VA to be paid for COMPACT-related care?
No. COMPACT ACT does not require an existing contract or agreement between VA and a community emergency department for VA to pay for authorized treatment and follow-on care. Veterans are encouraged to immediately seek care at the nearest emergency department during a medical or mental health emergency. During a suicidal crisis, time taken to find an “approved” community emergency department could endanger the Veteran.
McNeilus Hiring Event
Make a Career of Making a Difference
Join the Dodge Center McNeilus manufacturing team and enjoy a competitive benefits package and development opportunities.
Hiring for full time 1st and 2nd shift positions:
- Assembler
- Welder
- Industrial Painter
- Maintenance Technician
- Group Lead
- Tooling Technician - 2nd shift only
- Production Technician
When: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Where: 524 East Highway Street
Dodge Center, MN
Buddy Finder
Founded in 2003, Togetherweserved.com (TWS) is the largest Military Veteran online community existing today with a membership of 2,526,309 U.S. Military Veterans. Veterans join TogetherWeServed.com to find and re-connect with people they served with, share in the camaraderie of other Veterans, and create a comprehensive legacy of their military service which may live on for their family and future generations.
Veterans find other Veterans using TWS's powerful search engine and extensive unit database to match a Veteran's service history with all other TWS Members who served in their units at the same time, providing a comprehensive list of Members they can make contact with.
Whether you served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, try TogetherWeServed.com's Buddy Finder to find Veterans you served with and rekindle old friendships!
Be the One: A Wellness Mission
A Wellness Mission for Service Members, Veterans and their Families
Tragically, Minnesota loses 100 Veterans a year to suicide. Community support and connection can make a difference and save Veteran lives! Learn how you can help.
Recognizing Minnesota’s 7th Annual Veteran Suicide Prevention & Awareness Day, this event brings communities together to honor Veterans we have lost to suicide, allow their lives help save others, and offer healing and hope to survivors. Our goals are to increase awareness and provide resources to communities as we strive toward zero Veteran suicide deaths in Minnesota.
This annual program always includes both inspiration and education. Participants will benefit from the sharing of impactful stories and experiences from speakers who have family or personal experience with Veteran suicide or mental health struggles, as well as learning about resources for support and messages of encouragement from Veteran organizations, community leaders and elected officials. The connections and camaraderie during the social hour are equally impactful for many.
Event Information:
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Red Baron Arena, Marshall, MN
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9 - 10 a.m. - Vendor Fair, Networking and Refreshments
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10 - 11 a.m. - Program
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11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Vendor Fair and Networking
For more information, contact SuicidePrevention.MDVA@state.mn.us.
MDVA Health & Disability-Related Programs
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is responsible for administering and highlighting a number of health and disability-related programs for Minnesota Veterans and their families. These include benefits and services in the areas of disability claims, outreach, dental, optical, special needs, homelessness prevention, and health information on issues like depleted uranium and hepatitis c.
Please contact your local County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) for personal assistance and more information on these programs. Find your CVSO at www.macvso.org or by calling 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838) MDVA's one-stop customer service line for all Minnesota Veterans and their families.
Sexual Assault Survivor Support Group
Dates: September 22 - November 10, 2025
The location will be provided after completion of an intake interview.
Who: This group is for women 16 years old and older who have been sexually abused as a child or sexually assaulted as an adult.
Why: Victimization can lead to silence, isolation, fear, grief, and shame. A space to experience community is needed to promote healing and personal growth.
How: We will create a safe and supportive environment to discuss feelings and experiences as well as shared problem solving and resource recommendations. Information will be provided to help understand the impact of sexual violence.
Contact: If you are interested in participating or learning more about this group, please contact Cindy Cox at (507) 328-7207 or cynthia.cox@olmstedcounty.gov. The required intake interview can then be scheduled.
Organization: Dodge and Olmsted Victim Services
Empowering Women Together
"Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else's survival guide." - Morgan Harper Nichols
Camp Bliss Events
2025 Camp Bliss Retreats for Veterans, Law Enforcement and People with Disabilities!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you! We have been very successful with our legislative pursuits for funding of Veteran Retreats and Getaways at Camp Bliss. Exciting News!
- We will not be charging a registration fee for Veteran getaways for the next two years; we have secured funding from the MDVA. For non-qualifying Veterans there will be a fee of $100 per person to attend a getaway or retreat. If you have questions about the guidelines, please call Lori at (320) 281-2016.
- We will now be allowed to get reimbursement for spouses, children, and active-duty service members!
You may come up to two retreats per year!!!! MDVA Calendar Year September 1, 2025 – August 30, 2026. We have added many exciting retreats due to this!! A complete list of 2025 Retreats and Getaways are listed below! **Because there will not be a registration fee, you will still be required to submit the appropriate documentation, DD214 (Member 4) and Driver’s license or state ID. If a spouse is attending and has a different last name, you will be required to show proof of marriage before you are considered “registered.” Once you are, please commit fully to attending your retreat as there are limited spots for each one and if you do not show up, that is a Veteran’s spot that you have eliminated
If a Retreat/Getaway says FILLED, please email or call Lori O. to be put on a waiting list: Register@campbliss.org or call 320-281-2016
2025 Upcoming Camp Bliss Retreats.
Female Veterans Getaway: September 5 - 7, 2025
Register by August 15, 2025
Veterans & Spouses Fishing Getaway: September 19 - 21, 2025
Register by August 22, 2025
Guided Veterans Fishing Tournament: September 26 - 28, 2025
Register by August 22, 2025
Warriors & Walleyes Outdoors
Warriors & Walleyes Outdoors is a wonderful organization that offers veterans and their guests guided hunting and fishing trips. With tremendous support from experienced guides, veterans who attend these events create fantastic memories.
Cast & Blast
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Dates: October 17 - 19, 2025
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Nominations: Online from April 28, 2025, to July 20, 2025
Veteran's Supper
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Location: Wood Lake Community Center
88 2nd Avenue West
Wood Lake, MN 56297
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Date: November 8, 2025
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Note: Veterans eat free
New Mexico Elk Hunt
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Dates: November 17 - 21, 2025
Muzzle Loader Deer Hunt
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Location: Appleton, MN
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Dates: December 3 - 7, 2025
Nominations for the Cast & Blast event in October are currently open on our website. Visit www.warriorsandwalleyes.org and look under the sign-up drop-down menu. We will draw names in early August to send out invitations. For more information email us at teamvet@warriorsandwalleyes.org.
We have a few extra spots for those interested in fishing both days, but we can only take 10 veterans hunting each day. The first 20 drawn will be invited for both hunting and fishing. If you are interested in fishing both days, please indicate this at the bottom of your nomination form. We will draw additional names to fill these spots from the remaining nominations.
Rolling Hills Transit
SEMCAC is proud to announce a NEW service, honoring all those who serve. SEMCAC recently added a new bus to their fleet and would like to offer FREE rides to mobility challenged disabled veterans.
The bus will be operating out of Stewartville but will be covering their five county service area.
We asked Bill Spitzer, SEMCAC’s Director of Transportation, a few questions about their program and here are his replies:
- How long will Rolling Hills be offering free transportation? There is no end date planned.
- How do veterans schedule a ride? Call the dispatch center (507) 634-4340
- Where will you transport veterans to (examples: medical appointments, C&P exams, the grocery store, etc…)? Any of those
- What do you need in order to prove veteran status? A VA/government issued ID (such as a Veterans Health Identification Card, military ID card, driver’s license denoting veteran status or DD214)
- When you say ‘disabled’, do you mean physically or mentally as well? This service would be for ‘mobility challenged’ veterans. At this time we do not have the capacity to offer to all veterans.
Tips to Recharge your Brain and Body
Just as our phones and devices need recharging to keep working, so do we. “Recharge” means giving your body and brain the rest, sleep and relaxation it needs to restore energy and function at its best.
Get enough sleep
Without daily rest, we can’t fully enjoy life or stay healthy. Sleep allows the body to repair itself, supports brain development and learning, and helps regulate vital hormones.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours a night for adults aged 18-64 and 7-8 hours a night for adults aged 65 and over. The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person.
Sleep affects performance. People who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to get into accidents, have trouble remembering and focusing, feel grumpy and irritable, and have trouble focusing.
Here are some tips for staying well-rested:
- Get up and go to sleep at the same time every day. This helps build a routine.
- Move your body often. Regular exercise helps people to feel more rested after sleep.
- Eat fresh foods. Your brain needs nutrients so that it can make the chemicals and hormones that help you sleep well.
- Keep the temperature in your bedroom comfortable. Many people sleep better if the bedroom is on the cool side.
- Use your bed only for sleep and sex. Do not do work or other stressful activities in your bed or bedroom.
- Keep electrical devices away from your head when you sleep. The bright light from a phone or tablet can lower sleep hormones. Having these devices near you can make you more stressed, which also makes it harder to sleep.
Rest and relax
There are many ways to rest and relax. Choose things that fit your interests and lifestyles. Here are some possibilities:
- Meditate, pray or make a habit of having a quiet moment.
- Allow yourself time for leisure, creativity and hobbies or other interests outside of work.
- Practice progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery.
- Spend time with friends and family.
- Schedule a regular digital and social media break.
Being intentional about how we recharge can greatly impact our physical and mental health, so make some time today to give yourself the rest you deserve.
Want other ways to give your body the attention it deserves? VA offers support for all aspects of your body through programs such as MOVE!, Nutrition & Food Services, Sleep 101 and Whole Health.
JOBS
Local Service Organization Meetings
For a full list of local organizations and meetings, please click on the blue button.
"To promote the interests and welfare of veterans, their dependents and survivors and to enhance their quality of life through counseling, claims assistance, education, advocacy and special projects."
2100 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6355
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