If you’re already planning for next season’s PCS, I bet your head’s churning with to-do lists and packing tape dilemmas. A Permanent Change of Station move is no small feat. It’s thrilling one minute and overwhelming the next. You might be wondering how to navigate the prep without losing your cool. That’s where self-care swoops in to save the day. I’m not talking about fancy spa retreats, though those sound divine. I mean quick, 10-minute breaks that refresh your mind, body, and soul. These little pauses can leave you centered and balanced amid the chaos. Whether you’re knee-deep in boxes or waiting for the movers, these ideas fit right into your hectic schedule. Let’s explore seven simple ways to catch your breath and spark excitement for what lies ahead.
The Ultimate Self-Care Checklist for PCS Prep
Deep Breathing or Grounding Exercise
When PCS stress starts to bubble up, a deep breathing exercise can feel like a lifeline. It’s quick and powerful. Find a quiet corner, maybe your bedroom or even the bathroom if chaos reigns elsewhere. Close your eyes and breathe in slowly for four counts. Hold it for four. Then let it out for four more. Repeat a few times and focus on that air flowing through you. If your mind feels extra jumbled, try a grounding trick. Name five things you see, four you touch, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste. It pulls you back to now. Suddenly, the noise quiets down. You’ll feel steadier and ready to tackle the next box or form.
Step Outside for a 10-Minute Walk
Sometimes you just need to step outside and breathe fresh air. A 10-minute walk can lift your spirits like magic. No need for a big plan, just stroll around the block or your yard. Let your thoughts drift as your feet move. Or picture your new home and the adventures waiting at the next duty station. It’s a chance to dream about what lies ahead in a new way. This little escape boosts your mood and sneaks in some exercise without effort. When you’re back inside, you’ll feel lighter and more excited for the journey. It’s amazing how a short walk can reset everything.
Make a Cup of Tea or Coffee and Sit Quietly
There’s something special about cradling a warm mug. Make a cup of tea or coffee, whatever soothes you, and sit somewhere quiet for 10 minutes straight. No phone. No lists. Just you and that cozy drink. Feel the heat in your hands and let your mind wander. If you’re having movers come soon, this pause becomes pure gold. You’re probably going through a whirlwind of tasks already. This break lets you recharge without guilt. Sip slowly and soak in the calm. It’s a tiny luxury that leaves you centered and ready to dive back into the fray.
Journal One Page of Your Thoughts
Grab a simple journal dedicated solely to the journey of this PCS. You don’t need to craft a masterpiece, scribble one page of whatever’s on your mind. Perhaps it’s the stress of the pack out or excitement for the new place. Write about the weird, funny, and wild moments you’re probably going to go through. Jot down what you see along the way as you prep. It’s a release valve for your brain. This quick dump of thoughts lightens your load and shifts your view. Later, you’ll flip back and smile at how it all unfolded. Ten minutes is all it takes to feel a bit more balanced.
Play One Favorite Song and Dance It Out
Sometimes, music is the best way to lift your mood. Pick one song from your PCS playlist, maybe that upbeat jam that always gets you moving. Crank it up and dance it out for 10 minutes. Don’t worry about looking silly; just let loose. Twirl around the living room or bounce in the kitchen while boxes pile up nearby. This quick burst of movement sparks excitement for what lies ahead. It shakes off the stress of having movers or sorting through stuff. Your heart rate climbs, and so does your smile. You’ll wrap up those 10 minutes feeling energized and ready to dive back into the pack out. Plus, it’s just plain fun, and you deserve that joy.
Stretch or Do a 10-Minute Yoga Flow
Your body takes a beating during a PCS, lifting boxes, sitting for hours, or just tensing up from stress. A quick stretch or yoga flow can fix that fast. Find a spot on the floor and roll out a towel if you don’t have a mat. Start with simple moves like reaching for your toes or twisting gently side to side. If yoga’s your thing, flow through a few poses like cat-cow or downward dog. Focus on your breath and let the tension melt away. This short session leaves your body looser and your mind clearer. It’s a perfect way to refresh your mind, body, and soul before you jump back into the chaos. You’ll feel stronger and more balanced in just 10 minutes.
Practice Gratitude
Last but not least, let’s try a gratitude practice. Grab a notebook or just close your eyes for a moment. Think of three things you’re thankful for right now. Maybe it’s the chance to start fresh at a new base, a funny moment with your kids, or even a reliable coffee maker during the pack out. Write them down or say them quietly to yourself. This tiny act shifts your focus from stress to possibility. It sparks excitement for the journey ahead and helps you navigate the prep in a new way. Gratitude doesn’t erase the chaos, but it grounds you in what matters. You’ll finish feeling lighter and more hopeful, ready to tackle whatever comes next.
Self-Care Essentials to Get You Through Your PCS Move
- Aesthetic journal ($16, Amazon)
- Yoga Mat ($39, Amazon)
- Herbal Tea ($26, Amazon)
- Noise cancelling headphones ($249, Amazon)
- Keto Snack Food ($14 for 10 pack high calorie snack, Amazon)
Conclusion
You’ve got this, military spouse! Next season’s PCS might feel like a mountain, but these seven 10-minute self-care ideas can keep you steady. From deep breathing to dancing to your PCS playlist, each one fits right into your busy prep. Step outside for a walk, sip tea quietly, journal those weird, funny, and wild moments, stretch your body, or practice gratitude—they all work wonders. You’re probably going to go through a lot, but these quick breaks refresh your mind, body, and soul. They leave you centered and balanced for what lies ahead. Maybe even reclaim one small hobby you can do anywhere, whether it’s sketching, cross-stitching, reading, or learning a new language. You deserve these moments to recharge.
