What is a recommended way to mitigate stress before combat?

Attending to personal and family matters is crucial for mitigating stress before combat. Soldiers often experience heightened anxiety due to concerns about their personal lives, such as relationships, family responsibilities, and other obligations. By addressing these issues prior to deployment, individuals can alleviate some of their worries, allowing them to focus more effectively on their mission and responsibilities.

Taking care of personal matters can also provide emotional support and stability, which are important for maintaining mental health during high-stress situations like combat. When soldiers feel secure about their personal lives, they are better equipped to handle the challenges they will face.

On the other hand, deploying without training, engaging in extensive theoretical discussions, or delaying training exercises can leave soldiers unprepared, increase anxiety, or create additional concerns that distract from their readiness and mental state. Consequently, focusing on personal matters can serve as a grounding mechanism that helps soldiers enter combat with a clearer mind and a more composed demeanor.