Wellness Spotlight: Alexis Miller
The Wellness Spotlight series highlights military spouses and their real world health and wellness journeys in a Facebook live series. Below is an excerpt of Alexis’s feature.
“When we get right down to it, wellness also means having a physical activity in your life (or several) that you thoroughly enjoy doing. Wellness is about finding a passion and dedicating time to it. It fills your cup and allows you to go into the world with joy and love.”
WHAT WAS YOUR LOWEST MOMENT, WHEN YOUR HEALTH SUFFERED THE MOST?
Definitely during my job search when we PCS’ed to North Carolina. Nothing will destroy your self confidence quite like applying to 50 jobs a day and not hearing back from any of them (no exaggerating!). That was a really tough time because I felt so directionless and it lasted about six months.
WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR HIGHEST MOMENTS AS A MILITARY SPOUSE?
One of my highest points was getting the job with MILLIE. As soon as I signed on, something in my life felt right. Opportunities to think outside of the box and come up with creative ideas are all part of the job -- and it puts a fire in my belly.
Another high moment was when I graduated from my Yoga Teacher Training program. Again, it was like something in my life clicked and I knew I was on the right path. The best thing about yoga? It’s for EVERYONE! No matter who you are, there’s always a place for you on your mat -- and that’s what I love most about yoga. It’s amazing the effect it can have on a bad day, on how positively it can change your life when you practice regularly!
Since then, it’s really hard to not feel like everyday has been a highest moment. I feel incredibly blessed with all of the opportunities I’ve had the chance to take, and, if I continue to work hard and spread love, I think they will continue to blossom in ways I can’t even imagine.
WHAT IS ONE PERSONAL HABIT THAT CONTRIBUTES TO YOUR SUCCESS?
Meditation, yoga and laughter.
I know, I know, those are three things! But I meditate for 20 minutes every day. 10 minutes right after I wake up and 10 minutes before I go to bed. It helps clear my mind and focus on my true self, so I can cut through all the stimuli I absorb throughout the day.
Yoga is incredible. Even if you only practice for 10 minutes a day, you’re doing wonders for your body. It keeps your body in working order, but when you practice enough, it goes beyond the physical benefits and gets into the mental and spiritual aspects of your life as well. Being on my mat is like being in a little oasis.
Laughing is one of my favorite things to do. As weird as that sounds, I really feel it if I haven’t laughed for a day. So, I take as many moments throughout my day to find humor and laugh.
WHAT IS A HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY?
Warriors at Ease - really this is an invaluable resource to the military population. It trains yoga teachers to bring yoga and meditation into military settings, and you can find a teacher in your area who has gone through the training already.
Headspace App - An app that teaches meditation in 10 minutes a day. It is free for military through Blue Star Families and so easy to do everyday!
“The military life causes so much stress, and I don’t want my marriage to be part of that. Learn to speak the love language of your spouse and it will make a world of difference!”
IF YOU COULD RECOMMEND ONE BOOK TO MILITARY SPOUSES, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Chapman - My husband and I read it during his last deployment and it’s already made a huge difference in our marriage. The military life causes so much stress, and I don’t want my marriage to be part of that. Learn to speak the love language of your spouse and it will make a world of difference!
I am also in the middle of reading Emotional Intelligence 2.0. I haven’t finished it, yet, but so far it’s great!
(Purchases using the link above will help InDependent cover administrative costs for our programs at no extra cost to you!)
ABOUT ALEXIS MILLER
Alexis Miller is the Director of Digital Marketing & Social Media for MILLIE, a website dedicated to making the PCS process easier for military families. Their free information on duty stations, experienced AgentHeroes and helpful Scouts are all resources military families can tap into any time they have to PCS. Alexis is also the Social Media Coordinator for Warriors at Ease, a non-profit that trains yoga teachers to bring yoga and meditation into military settings, and that provides free classes, programs and retreats to military members. When Alexis isn't busy working, you can find her doing yoga, rock climbing, fly fishing or traveling.
CONNECT WITH ALEXIS
Instagram: @themillieway | Twitter: @gomillie | Facebook: @gomillie | Web: gomillie.com | Email: alexis@gomillie.com