Keeping up morale on, off duty Published Sept. 14, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Jeff Nevison 39th Air base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- When life seems boring, or you feel stressed out, don't forget there is much to do on and off the base to not only help maintain morale, but to keep people active while surrounded by a foreign culture. There is plenty to do to keep morale up, and maintain not only your physical fitness, but your mental fitness as well. The education center offers a variety of classes to keep one busy. "I recommend taking a few classes," said Senior Airman Aishah Stubbs, 39th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment journeyman. "If you can, make the time to get a few classes out of the way, whether it be online, or in an actual classroom setting." If the idea of mental stimulation isn't found to be appealing, there are also plenty of physical activities and training both on and off base to keep you going. "Exercising is something else that has helped me," said Airman Stubbs. "When I feel overly stressed, I like to go to the fitness center or even run around the base. I usually take either a step aerobics class or the cardio kick class at the fitness center. The instructors are awesome and the classes are challenging." Along with physical training, and a consistent workout routine, there are always plenty of sports and recreational activities that are readily available. The outdoor recreation center may provide a way for folks to let go of pent-up stress and low morale. "Since arriving here, I've attempted to rebuild a program and a mentality; one of coming to the outdoor recreation center not just to acquire products and equipment, but for activities," said Chris Whitener, 39th Services Squadron Outdoor Recreation Center director. "Often times, a negative attitude about Turkey becomes contagious and keeps people from getting out and experiencing first-hand for themselves. I try to find ways to break that negative vibe; to show them that these are only 'perceived' limitations, and one of the ways is by providing trips and activities on and off base," Mr. Whitener said. To add to the physical and mental demands that military life can place on airmen, there are also possible affects to one's spiritual condition if the stresses of daily work life aren't relieved. Taking time to reflect inward, spiritually and finding a way to feed spiritual needs may be the answer for some. The Chapel has programs to assist in this matter as well as chapel services to try to reach out to almost any religious background. "With hectic schedules, it may be easy to get stuck on responsibilities and obligations, forgetting to take care of ourselves not only physically and emotionally, but spiritually," said Chaplain (Maj.) James Tims, 39th Air Base Wing head chaplain. "We tend to drop the guard on spiritual aspects of our lives; working harder and faster. If kept on that path, eventually, we may get less accomplished." "It is really important that we take a day of rest to recharge the batteries. We have to take the initiative, to allow ourselves that time to slow down; let go of 'work' and realize that work will be there on Monday," Chaplain Tims added. "So, as the third component, 'spiritual needs' are just as important as the physical and mental. All three aspects need attention and maintenance. If all three components are working properly, then we tend to function more efficiently in every area of our lives, including at work, no matter the career field," Chaplain Tims said. For more information about activities base wide, call the fitness center, 676-6086; outdoor recreation center, 676-6044; or chapel at 676-6441.