Supporting Your Well-being: Managing Anxiety as a Military Spouse
The life of a military spouse in Hampton Roads is built on a foundation of resilience. It involves navigating constant transitions: supporting a partner through long hours, managing frequent moves, and helping children adjust to new environments. Beneath these daily tasks, many spouses carry a persistent sense of anxiety rooted in the unique reality of military life.
Whether it is the uncertainty of an upcoming deployment or the weight of knowing a loved one is in a high-risk environment, this anxiety is a natural response to a challenging situation. It is a quiet, heavy burden that many carry in private while maintaining a sense of normalcy for their families.
A Somatic Toolkit for Real-Time Support
Unlike traditional "relaxation," somatic practices work directly with the nervous system to help you find a sense of safety in the present moment. Here are three techniques to help you "re-anchor" your body:
1. Orienting (The "Safety Scan")
Orienting is the process of using your senses to locate yourself in your environment. It is the antidote to "deployment brain," where your mind is constantly elsewhere.
The Technique: Let your eyes wander naturally around the room. Allow them to rest on something that feels neutral or pleasant—a plant, a picture, or a specific color.
The Why: This tells your brain, "I am here, and in this immediate space, I am safe." It pulls you out of the "what if" of the future and into the "now."
2. Tracking (The "Internal Compass")
Tracking is the practice of paying attention to sensations in the body without judging them.
The Technique: Notice a physical sensation—perhaps a tightness in the chest or a coolness in the hands. Instead of labeling it "bad," just observe it: "I feel a fluttering in my stomach."
The Why: Tracking builds awareness of your internal state. By observing a sensation rather than being consumed by it, you create space for the anxiety to shift.
3. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This is a physical "reset" button that helps release stored tension. It is often most effective when practiced from your feet upwards.
The Technique: 1. Feet: Curl your toes tightly for 5 seconds, then release. 2. Legs: Tense your calves and thighs, then release. 3. Shoulders: Shrug them tightly to your ears, then drop them.
The Why: It forces the muscles to move from a state of contraction to a state of release, signaling the nervous system to move toward "rest and digest."
Our Story: Experience Meets a Mission
When we founded the Healing Arts Center in 2022, we did so with a specific mission: to provide the specialized, trauma-informed care that was missing in our community. Our co-founder, Victoria, brings 15 years of expertise in somatic practice and holistic health, while Mark contributes his own background from years of active-duty leadership.
We recognized that in a city like Virginia Beach, military families needed a resource that truly understood the "quiet heavy" weight of service. We built this center to bridge that gap—where professional experience meets a lived understanding of the military journey.
How We Can Help
At the Healing Arts Center in Virginia Beach, we are honored to support military families. Our approach integrates somatic practice, lymphatic massage, and nutrition coaching to support the whole person. We understand the sacrifices you make and are here to help you navigate them with specialized, trauma-informed care.
For more information of what makes our center unique https://www.healingartsvb.com/blog/founded-on-purpose-rooted-in-community
Take a moment for yourself.
Explore our full range of wellness Services or join us for one of our upcoming community Events to connect with others who share your journey. https://www.vagaro.com/healingartscenter/staff
