NatSec@Work - National Security Workforce - September Issue

Lifestyle

Level Up Unlike the crash diets or beach body hype of summer, fall is a great time to build long-term habits. Think of it as a personal reconditioning phase. This is when smart professionals lean into routines that are sustainable — hitting the gym three times a week, dialing in meal prep, and turning that 10 p.m. doom scroll into a 10 p.m. lights-out.

Balancing the Mission and the Mindset Let’s be real. The operational tempo, even outside of uniform, is no joke. Whether you're managing sensitive programs, overseeing contractors, or sitting in on classified briefings, it’s easy to put your own health at the bottom of the list. But if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s this: you are the mission. Your mental sharpness, your physical stamina, your ability to show up each day — those things aren’t secondary. They are core to national security and mission success. Fall is the perfect time to refocus on what makes you operationally excellent. Start with your habits. Build your plan. Leverage your tools. And get after it.

Gear That Keeps Up Back-to-work means back-to-sitting for a lot of us. But performance doesn’t stop just because you’re in meetings or behind a desk. GORUCK’s Simple Pants or 5.11’s Defender Flex Jeans give you the mobility of workout gear with the look of business casual. Vuori and Rhone continue to offer comfortable, professional-ish gear that transitions from laptop to lunch run with no problem. Tactical backpacks like Evergoods or Mystery Ranch let you carry your gear, laptop, and post-work gym clothes without looking like you're still in basic training. And if your fitness plan includes early mornings or late nights, invest in gear that keeps you warm, visible, and ready to move — not retreat.

MISSION-READY MIND AND BODY:

A FALL WELLNESS GUIDE FOR THE NATIONAL SECURITY WORKFORCE

By Jill Hamilton

Consider adding a new dimension to your workouts:

Cold weather rucking: Layer up, throw on your pack, and hit the trail. It builds strength, endurance, and clarity. Mobility work: Tactical athletes tend to beat up their bodies. Adding 10 minutes of mobility or yoga into your day can unlock serious gains in both performance and pain reduction. Mental strength training: Whether it’s mindfulness apps like Headspace or The Resilience Project, or old-school journaling and reading, don’t forget that a strong mind is just as mission-critical as a strong body.

Whoop Strap 4.0: A favorite in the special ops and veteran fitness communities, Whoop gives you a recovery score each day so you know when to push hard and when to back off. Oura Ring: Subtle, sleek, and packed with data, the Oura ring is great for cleared professionals who want to keep an eye on sleep and readiness without a bulky wrist device. Pair these with apps like TrainHeroic, StrongLifts, or MyFitnessPal, and you’re not just training harder — you’re training smarter.

In the fall, the air turns crisp (for some of us in the U.S.), routines return after summer chaos, and even the pumpkin spice crowd seems more motivated. For tactical professionals, veterans, and cleared workers, it’s the perfect time to sharpen both body and mind. Whether you're prepping for a PT test, rehabbing an old injury, or just trying to shake off a summer slump, fall offers the momentum to build a better you. Here's how to make it happen with the right tech, tools, and tactics.

Make Your Tech Work for You Wearable tech isn’t just for counting steps anymore. For cleared professionals balancing high-stakes missions and real- world responsibilities, the latest devices can offer insight into everything from stress levels to sleep quality. Garmin Tactix or Instinct 2 Solar Tactical : Built for the field, these watches track performance, stress, heart rate, and even have stealth and night vision compatibility modes.