The New Year presents an opportunity for us to focus on health, wellness, and balance. For Women Veterans, achieving wellness is about much more than physical health— it’s also about mental, emotional, and social well-being. Setting wellness goals in 2025 can help you thrive by implementing practical strategies to practice self-care, engage with your peers, and get the quality time you need at home.
Access Health Care through VA Benefits
Make 2025 the year to leverage the full resources behind your VA benefits, especially if you’ve let them lapse or haven’t explored them fully. With health care, preventative services, and specialized resources available, your local VA can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Remember, accessing health care isn’t just about addressing current needs; it’s about creating a proactive plan for the future. Start by scheduling a physical, exploring wellness programs, and checking out your local VA’s women’s healthcare center. If you’ve never accessed care through VA, remember there’s a free resource to help you get started: the Women’s Health Transition Training.
Or call the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636 to find the resources you need.
Make Time for Mental Health Appointments
Maintaining mental wellness is crucial, especially as life gets busy and stressors build up. The VA offers a range of mental health services tailored to Women Veterans’ unique needs, including counseling, support groups, and telehealth options for ease and convenience.
Committing to regular mental health appointments, whether with a therapist, counselor, or even a peer support group, ensures that you stay in tune with your well-being. The good thing is that every VA location has mental health experts, including those who have experience working with Women Veterans.
Learn more about mental health support for Women Veterans here, or call your local Women Veterans’ Program Manager.
Strive for Work-Life Balance
Many Women Veterans find themselves juggling work, family, and personal goals, and achieving balance in these areas can prevent burnout and help sustain motivation. For those in demanding careers or who have family responsibilities, it can be easy to let wellness slide. This year, make work-life balance one of your primary wellness goals in 2025.
Try setting boundaries that protect your time. Whether it’s carving out personal days, sticking to designated work hours, or creating routines that recharge you, building balance into your schedule allows for greater productivity and happiness. And don’t forget—taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and spending quality time with loved ones can positively impact both work and home life.
Network with Women Veterans-Focused Groups
The power of community is vital to wellness. Engaging with Women Veterans-focused groups, like the Women Veterans Interactive Foundation, provides a support network and access to resources that can help you thrive. Networking with peers allows you to share experiences, build professional connections, and even collaborate on new projects.
WVIF hosts events, networking sessions, and mentorship programs that connect Women Veterans from all walks of life. By joining an organization like WVIF, you can gain insights, support, and camaraderie from those who understand your experiences.
Give Back by Mentoring Younger Women Veterans
One of the most empowering ways to fulfill your wellness goals in 2025 is to lift others as you climb. Mentorship allows you to share your experiences, offer guidance, and support the next generation of women veterans. Whether it’s career advice, transitioning to civilian life, or managing work-life balance, your insights can be invaluable to those just starting their journey.
Mentoring others strengthens the veteran community and fosters a sense of purpose and pride. By volunteering your time to mentor younger veterans, you reinforce the legacy of women veterans and continue to blaze a trail of service. Reach out to younger Women Veterans in your network or join mentoring programs offered by organizations like WVIF. When you give back, you help others while reinforcing your own wellness journey.
2025 Is Your Year!
As you set wellness goals in 2025, remember that your journey is not one you have to take alone. WVIF provides a wealth of resources, community support, and professional networking opportunities specifically tailored to meet your needs.
WVIF offers local chapters where you can connect with peers, attend events, and access valuable resources for career growth, wellness, and networking. Check out the WVIF chapters to find a community near you.
With WVIF 2025 can be your best year yet!