Join Kirk & Friends TONIGHT for a Discussion about "Calm!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
9 hours ago
3 min read

Come join Volunteer, Peer Support Specialist Kirk Poe for "Awaken Your Inner Healer!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).

We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support Victory for Veterans provides via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.

TONIGHT's Topic: "Calm!"

Join Kirk and friends TONIGHT for a discussion about "Trauma vs. Traumatization". Everyone is welcome!

Being "calm" (calm) is crucial for mental health because it lowers stress hormones, boosts clarity for problem-solving, improves decision-making, strengthens emotional resilience, and fosters better relationships, allowing you to handle challenges with a stable mind rather than reacting impulsively. It's a skill developed through mindfulness, self-care, and healthy habits, leading to less anxiety, more joy, and overall better well-being, even during conflict.

Why Calmness Matters for Mental Health:

Reduces Stress & Anxiety: A calm mind produces fewer stress hormones, preventing mental and physical burnout and promoting emotional stability.
Enhances Clarity & Decision-Making: When calm, you can think logically, see solutions clearly, and make better choices, rather than being overwhelmed by emotion.
Builds Resilience: Calmness helps you remain grounded and trust yourself to navigate uncertainty and recover from setbacks.
Improves Relationships: A calmer demeanor makes you less antagonistic, creates a positive atmosphere, and helps you approach conflicts as "us vs. the problem".
Fosters Self-Care: Being calm allows you to better care for yourself, identify needs, and engage in healthy activities like exercise, good nutrition, and sleep.

To stay calm, use quick fixes like deep breathing (box breathing) and grounding techniques (focusing on senses/surroundings), while building long-term resilience through mindfulness, regular exercise, good sleep, healthy eating, connecting with nature, and limiting stressors. Developing routines and self-care helps manage immediate stress and prevents overwhelm, promoting overall inner peace and focus.

Immediate Calm (Minutes)

Deep Breathing: Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4 (box breathing) to calm your nervous system.
Grounding: Focus on your senses (5 things you see, 4 you feel, etc.) to anchor in the present.
Move: Gentle stretching, walking, or quick physical activity releases tension.
Listen: Calming music or nature sounds can soothe your mind.
Visualize: Picture a peaceful place or use positive affirmations.

Long-Term Calm (Habits)

Mindfulness & Meditation: Regular practice helps observe thoughts without judgment.
Exercise: Boosts endorphins and improves sleep.
Sleep & Diet: Prioritize rest and a balanced diet.
Nature: Spending time outdoors is a great stress reliever.
Connect: Seek support from positive people and maintain social connections.
Self-Care: Engage in hobbies (drawing, knitting) and take breaks.

Mindset Shifts

Challenge Thoughts: Ask if the stressor is truly significant.
Practice Gratitude: Focus on the good things in your life.
Acceptance: Let go of what you can't control.

When you feel overwhelmed, combining a quick technique (like deep breathing) with a long-term habit (like a short walk) can be very effective.

Quick Guide on Ways We Can Stay Calm

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Awaken Your Inner Healer!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) - Monday (TONIGHT), December 8, 2025 @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86121340012

Thank you,

Kirk Poe, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Reiki Master, Certified Body/Emotion/Belief Code Practitioner, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)