Retiree News

Embracing the Joys of Summer

As summer officially begins on June 20th, we embrace the longer days, higher temperatures, and the joy of family vacations and travel. With kids out of school and more time spent outdoors, it is important to protect ourselves from the heat and sun. Remember to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade. Let’s make the most of this season by having fun and enjoying each day safely.

What is Earthing and Why Does it Matter?

Researchers have found that the human body, when in direct contact with the Earth, can absorb negative ions from the ground. Negative ions? Sounds bad, right? But, no; these naturally occurring particles are the good kind of negative. They’re abundant in nature—especially around water, trees, and soil—and are believed to increase oxygen to the brain, boost serotonin, and help your body shift out of stress mode. Basically, negative ions can help you chill out. One widely cited review from the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that grounding may reduce pain, improve sleep, and support autonomic nervous system balance. It’s a full-body recalibration.

Here are a few ways to get the benefits:

1. Bring the Outdoors to You

Research shows that indoor plants help reduce anxiety and improve focus. Just having greenery in your line of sight helps reduce stress. Snake plants, pothos, and “ZZ” (zamioculcas zamiifolia) plants are low-maintenance options.

1. Visual Grounding with Color

Fun fact: humans can see more shades of green than any other color. Some scientists think that’s an evolutionary perk—green meant food, shelter, and safety. Studies show that just looking at greenery, even pictures of it, can lower heart rate and blood pressure. Try making a nature scene your screensaver or have calming forest prints nearby.

This concept blends with our practice of Whole Health and putting the Veteran in the center of their health care. Contact your primary care provider for more information.

Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles

In 1931, construction began on what would become one of the greatest engineering feats in U.S. history: the Hoover Dam. Built during one of America’s challenging economic hours, the Hoover Dam didn’t just stop water—it helped redirect the course of history. A dam is a physical boundary that controls the flow of water within a river or reservoir. Standing over 700 feet tall and straddling the border between Arizona and Nevada, the Hoover Dam exemplifies the possibilities that emerge when nature’s raw power is channeled for a higher purpose.

For years, the raging waters of the Colorado River, often unpredictable and unrestrained, would run through the dry desert landscape of the American Southwest. The river’s powerful, untamed waters would at times destroy farmland, flood communities, and uproot lives, threatening the livelihoods of those in its path.

But in the construction of the Hoover Dam, leaders, engineers, and visionaries saw brighter possibilities. After its construction, the once wild waters of the Colorado River were able to be channeled by the dam and converted into hydroelectric power. Because of that one dam, cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles were able to grow and thrive in what was once an uninhabitable desert. Even today—nearly a century later—the Hoover Dam generates enough electricity to power over 1.3 million people in Nevada, Arizona, and California. This transformation and progress were made possible because someone set up boundaries – the boundaries of the Hoover Dam. Similarly, life can at times feel like the untamed Colorado River—a flood of countless needs coming from every direction, making it a challenge to balance the demands of work and our personal lives.

Setting up personal boundaries helps us protect our energy and emotional health, allowing us to bring our best selves in service to our Veterans. Setting boundaries can be a significant challenge for some. This difficulty may stem from the fear of possible rejection when honestly expressing one’s limits, the strong desire to please and avoid disappointing others, or an internal belief that their needs are not important. But boundaries help us preserve our sense of peace, because only we know our limits. Boundaries are not primarily about saying “no”; it’s about protecting our “yes” for what matters most. By defining our limits and communicating them clearly, we can better manage stress, avoid burnout, and foster healthier relationships both personally and professionally. Boundaries allows us to be honest with ourselves and helps us gauge when it’s time for a reset. For some, effective boundaries might look like turning off the news notification on our phones, so when we wake up, our first thoughts are not the endless news cycle. For others, boundaries might mean guarding time with your family and friends.

Just like the Hoover Dam harnesses the power of the Colorado River, setting personal boundaries allows us to channel our energy and resources towards our highest purposes, all while enhancing our productivity as we work to fulfill our roles to our Veterans.

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