STRESS-TAMING SECRETS OF OUR WOMEN HEROES!

There is no one more qualified to share advice on dealing with stress than our brave servicewomen. Here, 5 remarkable heroes from the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps reveal their strategies for overcoming challenges, from harnessing the power of dance to finding solace in the serenity of prayer

- BY KRISTINA MASTROCOLA

FIND COMFORT IN NATURE

When Tab Bartley, 35, joined the Marines, her goal was as powerful as it was deceptively simple: to do good in the world. Serving as a public affairs Marine from 2010 to 2018, she succeeded in doing just that. Unfortunately, during her time on recruiting duty, she suffered a career-ending injury. “I was out on a hike six weeks postpartum, and ended up in the ER with multiple organ prolapses, where my uterus and bladder started coming out of my body. That began years of fighting for the right treatment.”

I realized I wasn't alone, and I wasn't the only woman going through this." -TAB BARTLEY

TAB BARTLEY, Marine Corps veteran (right), receiving her promotion to sergeant and marking a Marine Corps Birthday Celebration with fellow veterans

This would be a scary health crisis for anyone, but Tab was also dealing with PTSD in the wake of experiencing several active shooter incidents during her career. “I didn’t feel worthy enough to admit that I was struggling because I had never seen combat.” But, of course, Tab was worthy. “My ‘aha’ moment was when I began sharing my story and I realized I wasn’t alone; I wasn’t the only woman to go through this.”

In addition to getting therapy, Tab discovered simple stress-relieving strategies, including grounding. “I'm a bit of a gardener, and I discovered that when I walked barefoot on the grass, I felt so much better.” Indeed, studies show grounding helps soothe the nervous system and reduce stress. “I go outside a few minutes a day whenever I can—the sun and fresh air are healing.”

MAJOR WHENNAH ANDREWS Army Medical Services Corps