“Too Tired to Connect?”

“I’m too tired.” It’s not an excuse, it’s a reality. After long days of hypervigilance and conflict resolution you are likely burnt.  But here’s the hard truth: disconnection has a cost. Not just for your relationships, but for your mental health, your resilience, and your identity outside the uniform.

Stress doesn’t just wear down your muscles, it erodes your connections. It makes you snap at your family, zone out during dinner, or slip into silence. Over time, these small fractures can become walls. And those walls don’t just keep others out; they trap you inside.

Make a moment count

Check-In: Ask your spouse or child one meaningful question: “How did your day go?” Then listen. That’s it.

Daily Rituals: A hug before bed. A shared laugh over a funny video. These gestures count.

Post-Shift Pause: Before walking in the door, take a minute to breathe, reset, and remind yourself: “I’m home now.”