It is no secret that exercise promotes both physical and mental health, especially among college students. Physical activity can fight premature death and chronic disease that often afflicts many Americans, including but not limited to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. So, how can higher education institutions better promote the well-being of military-affiliated students? They can start by promoting physical activity and exercise. With a growing emphasis on promoting mental and physical well-being in higher ed, institutions should advocate for more physical exercise programs and events, especially for military-affiliated communities on campus.

Benefits of Physical Activity
According to an article by Warburton et al., there is sufficient evidence that increases in physical activity can also improve general physical health. There is also considerable data suggesting that, due to the physical labor aspect of many specializations within the military, many veterans suffer from chronic low-back pain. Yoga has been shown to be a beneficial intervention for veteran patients, further advancing the idea that continuing physical fitness can be especially important for the veteran community.

In addition to research regarding the physiological benefits of physical exercise, there is also strong evidence that physical exercise can promote improved mental health. In 2019, a literature review found that there is overwhelming evidence recognizing the positive effects of exercise on one's mental state. Mikkelsen et al. state that the release of endorphins and other physiological and biochemical mechanisms during exercise can affect mood states, such as decreasing anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms. Although stigma remains somewhat high for seeking mental health services among the veteran community, there is a formidable movement to work towards a military where mental well-being is designated as critical to success. With the information and data that fitness promotes increased physical and mental well-being, universities should implement programs that connect students with the benefits of physical exercise.

Why Physical Fitness Matters for the Military-Affiliated Community
Robust physical fitness requirements remain in place for all service members, emphasizing the importance of fitness in the military environment. These expectations have changed throughout the years to sustain a fair and updated fitness physical test that attains the goal of improving the fitness culture of the armed forces. The U.S. military ultimately attracts those that identify physical capabilities as a pinnacle of success in their careers, as physical fitness is commonly a core part of most jobs within the U.S. military. In this same stride, as physical fitness is necessary for success within most military roles, it also carries over into family life. Many events hosted by organizations on military installations include components of fitness. While transitioning out of the military, it can be difficult to find similar opportunities that focus on physical well-being for veterans and their families on higher ed campuses.

With many conflicting responsibilities and demands within a university setting, allotting time to exercise can be challenging. Further, veterans attending courses on campus, averagely aged 30 years old, may face further obstacles that the typical university student, averagely aged 21.8 years old, may not experience. Some of these may include family commitments and financial obligations. Over half of veterans self-report that they have children during their time in school. The way we typically think of the higher education experience largely shifts for these non-traditional students. It is critical for universities to realize the various obstacles that all of their students face, which needs to include the military-affiliated community.

There are many organizations that already work to promote physical and mental health among the veteran community. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Team Red, White, and Blue guides veterans to recognize the importance of their well-being, especially after transitioning into the civilian world. Veterans can easily download a mobile application to learn how to build a healthier lifestyle with a strong emphasis on physical and mental health. Their system also includes ways to connect with other veterans also looking to lead healthier lives. This has proven to be very effective for veterans struggling with finding colleagues with similar interests and perspectives after transitioning out of the military. Some events include running and biking clubs, and even a group for rock climbing. In addition to using the mobile application, veterans can find in-person events to attend through local chapters of Team Red, White, and Blue. Veteran groups on campus should ensure that they connect with and promote these groups to their veteran communities to create a stronger community.

Personalized Attention and Interest
Institutions of higher education should remember that all non-traditional student groups need personalized attention, but more importantly, they need personalized interest. Veteran students would be able to succeed without individualized interest, as they are arguably one of the most resilient types of students due to their ability to overcome difficult circumstances despite presented obstacles. However, there is a difference between surviving and thriving. Institutions of higher education need to ask how to best serve their military-affiliated communities. Direct input allows student veterans and their families the ability to partake in events and groups that prioritize their interests and have similar (but unique) experiences. Additionally, the stress associated with extra responsibilities (balancing schoolwork, professional work, and parenting to name a few) may be lessened if veterans know that their priorities are listened to and accounted for within their higher ed communities.

Article Topics

Military Focused Events Military Friendly Institutions Research on Student Veterans Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success

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