4

Physical and Emotional Well-Being

4.0

Introduction

A mission can be both joyous and stressful. The standards in this section and in Adjusting to Service Missionary Life will help you prepare your mind and body to better serve the Lord. Regularly review these standards throughout your mission.

4.1

Physical Health

Your health and safety are important. Maintain your health so you can serve with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.

You and your family are responsible for your medical care needs. Visits to a physician or other health care professionals should be coordinated in advance with your supervisors.

4.1.1

General Nutrition Guidelines

Please use the following general nutrition guidelines, with individual customization if needed:

• Drink sufficient water daily. You may need more water and salt if you sweat heavily throughout the day or during exercise.

• Eat balanced meals that include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein.

• Limit junk food, carbonated drinks, processed foods, and fast food.

• Follow the advice from your medical professionals regarding special diets, medications, or other health practices specific to your needs.

4.2

Exercise

Exercise helps you stay healthy and helps relieve stress. Make exercise a part of your daily routine as your circumstances allow.

4.3

Emotional Health

Missionary work is demanding. Feeling stress from time to time is normal. You can prepare your body and mind to better handle stress by taking advantage of family support. You can also prepare by practicing habits of healthy eating, regular exercise, regular sleep, relaxation, and spiritual activities (including praying, pondering, and studying).

Throughout your mission, use Adjusting to Service Missionary Life to help you manage your stress. If you feel that you have difficulty managing stress, or if you have a mental or emotional health emergency, contact your service mission leaders.

If you have been prescribed medication for anxiety or any other condition or illness, follow the prescription and your doctor’s directions.

4.4

Medical Care

Take your physical and emotional health seriously. Make sure you get any needed support from your parents or guardians for any medical issues you have (such as medications you are taking, allergies you have, or activities you should avoid). You may also share certain medical information with your service mission leaders or operations supervisors as needed.

If you have a health emergency, take common-sense actions for your immediate safety or care. Call local emergency services (such as 911 in the United States) unless you have been given other instructions. As soon as possible, contact your service mission leaders.

If you need nonemergency medical care during an assignment, call your parents or guardians right away. They will tell you what to do. Try to schedule other nonemergency care in advance so it does not interfere with your service assignments or schedule.

4.5

Dangerous Situations and Threats

Many possible dangers can be avoided by exercising good judgment and by observing missionary standards. However, people may attempt to harm you even when you try to be safe. If there is a problem, immediately report it to your service mission leaders.

Leave immediately if you feel uncomfortable about a location, person, or situation. Listen to spiritual promptings.

4.6

Housing

Help care for your family’s home and do your share of chores. Keep your room neat and clean. Keep your personal possessions, including electronic devices, in good working order.

4.7

Transportation

Always follow local traffic rules, laws, and customs as you travel. If you drive, drive defensively.

Public transportation is usually less expensive than driving. Consider using public transportation for getting to and from your mission assignment.

Use good judgment, be aware of your surroundings, and become familiar with your area. Follow the general safety standards in this handbook.

4.7.1

Driving

If family circumstances permit, you may drive your personal or family vehicle to your mission assignments and activities. Service missionaries are responsible for all driving expenses, including fuel, car maintenance, and insurance.

Service missionaries and their families assume all personal and liability risks when driving. Service missionaries do not drive Church-owned vehicles while serving. Training plans are required if you drive community or charitable organization vehicles during your service assignment.

4.8

Personal Funds or Savings

You are encouraged to prudently budget and spend your personal funds. Always remember the principles of paying tithes and offerings and of personal savings.

The money you use during your mission represents sacrifices by you, your family, and others. Do not solicit funds for personal financial support or for the organizations where you serve.

4.9

Accidents

If you are involved in an accident while driving to or from your missionary assignment, meetings, or conferences, call the police or emergency services as needed. As soon as possible, also contact your family. Then contact your service mission leaders and assignment supervisors.

If you are involved in an accident while serving at your missionary assignment, talk to your service location supervisor. That person will call the police or emergency services as needed. As soon as possible, also contact your service mission leaders and your family. Your stake president will contact your family as well.

4.10

Service Missionary Appearance

The way you present yourself as a missionary influences the way people think about you and the Lord’s Church and may help protect you from harm. Your appearance is often the first message others receive about you, and it should support what you say and do.

Using appropriate dress and grooming is an important life skill that will help you after your mission as well. Wear clothing that is appropriate for your service assignments and consistent with your sacred calling.

4.10.1

For All Missionaries

Keep yourself neat and clean. Shower or bathe daily. Brush your teeth regularly. Use deodorant. Thoroughly wash your hands regularly, especially after using the toilet. Keep your clothes clean, mended, and neat. Never allow your appearance or behavior to draw attention away from your calling.

Maintain a high standard of modesty. Avoid clothing that:

• Is too tight or too loose

• Is sheer or revealing in any way

• Draws attention to any part of the body

• Is sloppy or faddish

Show respect for the Lord and yourself by dressing appropriately for Church meetings and activities, especially sacrament meeting.

4.10.2

For Elders

• Hair. Wash your hair frequently. Keep it relatively short and evenly tapered. Extreme or faddish styles, such as spiked, permed, or bleached hair, are not appropriate. Sideburns should reach no lower than the middle of the ear. You should be clean-shaven without facial hair each day unless medical conditions require otherwise.

• Jewelry. Do not wear earrings or necklaces. Nose rings and body piercings are not acceptable. If you have tattoos, they should be covered where possible.

4.10.3

For Sisters

• Hair. Wash your hair frequently. The style, color, and length of your hair should not call attention to itself.

• Accessories. Jewelry and other accessories should be simple and professional. Do not wear more than one earring in each ear. Nose rings and body piercings are not acceptable. If you have tattoos, they should be covered where possible. Makeup, hair adornments, and nail polish should be conservative.