A Soldier who is emotionally fit, approaches life's challenges in a positive, optimistic way by demonstrating control, stamina and good character with their choices and actions A Soldier should demonstrate standards, discipline and INTEGRITY Soldiers who are emotionally fit are aware of their feelings and emotions and seek balance Emotional (Optimism) - February What is Emotional Fitness? Leader: Discuss these expectations with your Soldiers

People have hopes, fears, concerns and dreams; a Soldier’s self- regulation, balance, and stability greatly influence their ability to interact with others. Self-Regulation – regulate impulses, emotions and behaviors to achieve goals Balance – knowing how to balance the stressors of life and convey emotions appropriately Stability – calm and rational under pressure Emotional (Optimism) - February Components of Emotional Fitness Leader: Discuss these expectations with your Soldiers

An unbalanced Soldier exhibits inappropriate anger or frustration, avoids close relationships, shuts out Family and friends and often finds escapes through unhealthy habits. An emotionally unhealthy Soldier: – has difficulty maintaining unit and Soldier responsibilities – abuses drugs or alcohol to numb feelings or to feel normal – avoids Family, friends and unit activities and is isolated – has angry or other emotional outbursts – engages in unhealthy habits that can be self-destructive – is continually depressed – has difficulty with intimacy Emotional (Optimism) - February Unhealthy Emotional Fitness Behaviors Leader: Review unhealthy behaviors with your Soldiers

SPC Williams was recently selected to represent his company at the Best Warrior Competition. He is getting ready for the competition when his spouse approaches him about unfinished house work. The conversation gets heated and he realizes he is now running late. SPC Williams grabs his car keys, slams the door as he leaves and the glass on the door shatters. He gets in his car and begins driving aggressively to drill to make up time. He continues to think about the argument he had with his wife and cannot concentrate. He is the next Soldier to go into the board. Emotional (Optimism) - February Unhealthy Emotional Fitness Scenario Leader: Read the following scenario

Bottom Line Up Front: Soldiers may experience many stressors but ultimately still have a job to do. Negative emotions can make you lose focus and detract from your performance. “Real Time Resilience” is a skill that can be used to help fight counterproductive thoughts and remain task focused. “Real Time Resilience” is an internal skill that is used in the moment. It is the process of responding to counterproductive thoughts as they occur by using evidence, optimism and putting the situation in perspective. Use these three sentence starters when reacting to counterproductive thoughts: 1. That’s not completely true because… 2. The more optimistic way of seeing this is… 3. The most likely implication is…and I can… Emotional (Optimism) - February Scenario – The Problem Leader: Discuss some things that SPC Williams can do to get his mind back into the competition. What are some things that work for the group? Discuss “Real Time Resilience” techniques.

Below are some counterproductive thoughts SPC Williams might have and responses he could use to fight off these thoughts. Thought: “I’m going to come in last in this competition.” RTR Response: “That’s not completely true because I trained hard and I am prepared.” Thought: “My wife is going to leave me.” RTR Response: “The most likely implication is that we will work it out and I can call her after the competition. Thought: “I’m going to have to fix the door now.” RTR Response: “The more optimistic way of seeing this is that I wanted to replace the door anyway.” Page 6 Emotional (Optimism) - February Scenario – “Real Time Resilience”

Emotional (Optimism) - February Optimism The skill of “Real Time Resilience” builds upon the competency of Optimism. Optimistic thinkers focus on solutions when change is possible and acceptance when it is not. They are more likely to try new strategies when current ones aren’t working. When confronted with stress, we often lose the ability to focus on the task at hand. By having an optimistic approach, we can see the situation more accurately which gives us more control over the outcome. Being in control is important in both the Army and your personal life. Hunt the good stuff: Positive people think positively. Focusing on positive experiences leads to an optimistic way of thinking. Encourage your Soldiers to share a positive experience that they have had since last drill. (Open discussion)

What can you do as a Battle Buddy to help SPC Williams? – Talk to SPC Williams about his issues at home to give him an outlet to vent. What can you do as a leader to help SPC Williams? – Give him information about resources that may help his relationship with his spouse (ie. Strong bonds) – Refer to chaplain or behavioral health if needed. Remember ACE * (any stressful situation can lead to suicidal behavior) – Ask what you can do to assist the Soldier in succeeding. – Care enough to listen and provide support. – Escort the Soldier to resources or be one yourself as a positive influence. DO YOU HAVE AN “ACE” CARD? *The ACE process guides us to assist the Soldier. Have the courage to act on behalf of a fellow Soldier. Never assume that everything is good to go until you have checked. Emotional (Optimism) - February Scenario – Battle Buddy Aid Leader: Ask about responsibility of Battle Buddies and how they can assist in the situation and review ACE

A Soldier who exhibits healthy emotions has a sense of balance, stability and self-control which leads to happiness and contentment. An emotionally healthy Soldier: – has healthy outlets for stress – copes with stressful social situations – has a good support network – physically well – “feels good” about his or herself – seeks balance – is confident and respects others – gravitates toward the positive side of life – proud to be a Soldier in the Guard Emotional (Optimism) - February Healthy Emotional Fitness Behaviors Leader: Ask your Soldiers to think of good emotional fitness habits

Emotional (Optimism) - February Available Resources Leader: Reviews available resources and remind Soldiers that seeking them is not a sign of weakness but part of fitness NYARNG Family Programs Office, (877) or –Director of Psychological Health (DPH), (518) –Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC), (518) –Military OneSource, (518) –Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), (518) State Chaplain’s Office, (518) Military OneSource, (800) or Vets4Warriors peer support line, (855) / (855)VET-TALK,