Got Fun?

  • Published
  • By Maj. Charlie Underhill
  • 436th Mission Support Squadron commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Do you ever feel overwhelmed at work or at home? Do you ever think there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done? I'm not afraid to say that I do, but then I remind myself that no matter what's going on, things will get better if I incorporate 'fun' into my day.

We all know the mission is important, and it's just as important to have fun while getting the mission done.

This can be difficult with all of the new programs the Air Force is implementing. Some of the programs include Group Commanders' Support Staff consolidation, officer reduction in force board, lieutenant force shaping boards, military and civilian PBD 720 cuts, and mandatory retraining.

The phrase people often use to deal with a greater workload is to 'do more with less', yet most of the programs previously mentioned aim to cut our work force even more. Throw in increased Air Expeditionary Force deployments, and we are left with more work and considerably less people. In other words, increased stress for those of us left to do the work.

So, how do you cope with your stress?

One way to combat stress is to ensure you are taking and making time to have fun.
Sounds easy, but are you really doing it?

For some Airmen, getting to the Fitness Center three to four times a week is a much needed stress reliever. For others, it might be a shopping trip, catching the latest movie, a trip to the beach, a night out with the family or a relaxing walk with your dog.

It's so easy for me to get wrapped up at work with emails, suspenses and meetings, that at times I lose focus. I have to remind myself that I'm here to serve, do the mission and find ways to make it fun.

Fun for me is being involved with Services intramural sports, working out, playing golf and spending quality time with my family. Even though I have fun at work - and most of the time it is fun - my biggest stress reliever is receiving a hug from my kids when I walk through the front door. No matter how my work day went, Tanner, Chase and Lexi always brighten my day and remind me what's really important in my life ... family.

For you, it may be something totally different, but I would encourage each of you to find the time to enjoy each and every day ... life is too short to rush through it so fast and so furious that you forget the important things.

It's important to take time for yourself and whatever it is that allows you to reduce your stress, I encourage you to engage in those activities. Having fun at work and at home will make things better for everyone, because you'll be a happier person, and that is contagious.

When you wake up tomorrow morning, remember to live life to the fullest, don't sweat the small stuff and wear a smile. Then ask those around you, 'Got Fun?'