PRACTICE OF MINDFULNESS AS A MEANS OF PROMOTING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION OF MILITARY PERSONNEL TO CIVILIAN LIFE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the problem of adaptation and reintegration of military personnel into civilian society after participating in combat operations.

The article is devoted to the problem of psychological adaptation of demobilized military personnel after participation in combat operations to the conditions of civilian life and the reintegration of military personnel into civilian society.

The aim of the article is to theoretically substantiate the use of mindfulness practices as an evidentiary tool for improving the psychological adaptation of demobilized military personnel to civilian life.

Modern scientific research on mindfulness is reviewed. It was found that mindfulness practices (awareness exercises) are an effective tool for improving the mental functioning of military personnel and war veterans. Such exercises help military personnel maintain concentration, think better and make decisions faster in extreme situations. Mindfulness meditation reduces the level of stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline), evens out the heart rate and calms the area of the brain responsible for fear. Mindfulness practices help to pause before reacting, restore the ability to feel emotions and closeness to relatives.

Mindfulness meditation should be introduced into practice gradually: first listen to the sounds around you (nature), then learn to breathe correctly with a psychologist, and only then move on to awareness of internal sensations.

The advantage of mindfulness meditation is that once a person learns this technique with a specialist, he can use it independently for the rest of his life, anywhere and absolutely free.

Mindfulness practices are not a substitute for classical psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, but they help improve a person's emotional state and cognitive functioning. The introduction of these practices into state rehabilitation programs for war veterans will improve their adaptation to civilian life.