Free Resources to Help You Keep Your Resolutions
If the “New Year, New You” mantra resounds with you, you probably have a resolution or two for the new year. The start of a new calendar year is a great time to start and achieve new goals. It’s a timely start, providing a tangible timetable for self-improvement. Whether health-motivated, a desire for personal improvement, or for the enjoyment of goal setting, New Year’s resolutions are a time-honored tradition. Free resources to achieve these goals are ready and available for use.
On-Base Gyms
A popular New Year’s goal is to work out more. While gyms offer great deals in the first few months of the year, the expense typically jumps after the introductory offer, coupled at the time when most people quit their goals. On-base gymnasiums are generally free to use for those with base access. Set up and enjoy the workout equipment to improve strength, flexibility, range of motion, and cardiovascular health. Extra benefits of working out include improved sleep, stress management, increased energy levels, and an improved immune system. Some gymnasiums offer various classes, cost dependent on the military installation. Take advantage of these opportunities and classes for much less than a standard gym.
Bonus for parents — many on-base gymnasiums have an area where children can play or participate in a child watch program while parents get a workout in.
Nutrition
Beyond the gym equipment, there are nutrition offices at many on-base installations. Dieticians can help discuss and manage meal planning, calorie, or macro counting to establish healthy eating habits in line with personal goals for physical health. Some bases offer body composition scans, which can provide important insight when making nutrition and physical activity decisions.
Massages
Check to see if a massage therapist at your local on-base gyms offers free or discounted massages. Massage therapy coupled with stretches and exercises can strengthen muscles, joints, and bones and aid in recovery after strenuous exercise. Massage therapy is beneficial for stress management, allowing for continued physical strength training.
On-Base Education and Employment Centers
The Education and Employment centers are there for service members and dependent family members to further their education and find employment with each military move. Information on how to use the MyCAA program is available for military spouses.
Resume Writing/Editing
One of the benefits of the education centers is resume writing assistance. Resume writing assistance is valuable for the military spouse or child who frequently applies for new jobs with each military move. Contact your base education or employment center to see when and where these services are offered.
Continuing Education
Many education centers partner with local or worldwide universities that are available for service members and dependent family members to take college-level classes. Classes are offered in the education center or virtually through platforms available. Classes are usually offered at lower base prices, providing an economic benefit.
Service members can submit their tuition assistance requests for classes through the education center, either at the center or elsewhere. DOD Users can also access professional development databases.
Finding Employment
The education and employment centers have a physical job board, and most military bases have a digital one. Contact the education or employment center on base if you are looking for employment.
Legal Offices
The legal offices on base offer power of attorney, notary services, basic wills, living wills, and assistance in SCRA-related issues. Manage your assets by updating or creating a will at the legal offices on base. If your assets are above a specific limit, ask about any limitations the office may have to complete your will.
Libraries
If your New Year’s resolution or goal is to read a certain number of books this year, the base library is the best resource. Beyond the tangible books, the DOD MWR Library app provides a way to listen to and read books through the application. The library application can be accessed from your smartphone on the road while your PCS is unpacked at home or on a run.
As you embark on a new year, chasing new goals and dreams, remember the free resources available on base. From the gymnasium and its programs to the legal offices and libraries, there are many tools to utilize for self-improvement. Use these free resources to accomplish your New Year’s resolutions and goals.
MILLIE is an online community and digital marketplace that connects members of the military and their families with specialized knowledge and trusted resource providers to alleviate the stress of PCSing. Check out MILLIE’s Installation Guides, our network of veteran and military spouse real estate agents, and MILLIE Scouts, our on-demand task service comprised of military spouses.
