Diamond Notes: Remember to take care of yourself Published Oct. 13, 2015 By Master Sgt. Shakia Knight 727th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron First Sergeant CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of commentaries by Cannon’s first sergeants and additional-duty first sergeants providing mentorship and leadership experience to Air Commandos, while highlighting Air Force standards. The military way of life is one that demands a certain level of excellence and personal sacrifice at all times. In fact, Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Culture, asserts that Airmen are always subject to duty: this includes weekends, holidays and even on leave. We have internalized the Air Force core values and have cultivated a certain pattern of behavior that enables us to succeed and accomplish our mission. In essence, one would think we give our very best in all that we do – but do we? When working tirelessly to achieve mission goals, we are taking care of others along the way. We help fellow wingmen with personal situations, draft award packages to recognize our best Airmen, and assist supervisors with important projects. There is no doubt we are reliable when it counts, and we take care of others to get the job done. Yet, when not deployed or placed in situations beyond our control, we often neglect a key component that should never get overlooked: taking care of ourselves. Taking a break from the daily grind is not only important, it is necessary for maintaining our military way of life and exercising the whole person concept. We have Air Force guidance that advocates for the military leave program. Air Force Instruction 36-3003, the Military Leave Program, specifically states that the use of leave is necessary to the morale and motivation of service members. The use of leave can also have a beneficial effect on an individual’s psychological and physical status. For example, indulging in hobbies, taking vacations, or visiting loved ones can all be considered fundamental elements of self-care that are used to prevent burnout. More importantly, when we take leave consistently throughout the fiscal year rather than waiting until the very end of the summer to exhaust it, we are able to recharge our batteries and focus on our families, friends and ourselves. Fiscal year 2016 has come upon us and once again, we have the liberty to take leave in accordance with guidance, mission and unit needs. Above all else, we have the opportunity to take leave consistently, take breaks when applicable, and take care of ourselves in the process. When doing so, we are able to prioritize what is important and relieve the unnecessary stress that can prevent us from doing our best to make Cannon Air Force Base the most lethal and relevant wing in the U.S. Air Force.