Case study
Tracey Clothier
Navy veteran spouse
Nowra, NSW
overview
A nurse who resides in Nowra, NSW, Tracey Clothier is deeply connected to the defence community. As the spouse of Navy veteran John, she has lived through the unique experiences and challenges that come with military life. With over two decades of service, John’s career in the Navy and later in public service shaped Tracey’s understanding of the importance of support systems for both veterans and their families.
Through her own wellness journey, Tracey has become an advocate for the transformative power of sport and wellness programs for veterans and their loved ones.
challenge
Tracey faced her own health challenges, particularly chronic back pain from nursing injuries. This condition often made everyday activities difficult and impacted her ability to maintain a consistent physical routine.
While John had remained physically active throughout his service and in civilian life, Tracey noticed that he struggled more with his social wellbeing after retiring from the Navy. He tended to retreat from social situations, which began to affect his mental and emotional health. Both Tracey and John needed something to address these physical and emotional challenges.
Journey
Tracey first connected with Invictus Australia after discovering a yoga program in her area. Initially drawn to the physical benefits for her chronic back pain, Tracey found much more than expected. Yoga provided a holistic and gentle approach to managing her physical condition while offering mental and emotional benefits as well. The calming techniques and mindful movements gave her the tools to reduce daily stress and better cope with life’s challenges.
Over time, Tracey experienced noticeable improvements in her physical health and developed a regular routine that allowed her to unwind and connect with others in her community. Encouraged by her positive experiences, Tracey convinced her husband, John, to join the program as well. Initially hesitant, John soon found the same benefits. His chronic pain eased, his flexibility improved, and, most importantly, he began engaging socially again.
today
Today, both Tracey and John have embraced regular sport and wellness activities as vital parts of their lives. Tracey feels more energetic, focused, and grounded than ever before. Her back pain is more manageable, and her mental clarity has improved. The social connections they’ve made through yoga have enriched their lives, providing a strong sense of community and support.
The impact of sport and wellness on Tracey’s emotional and physical health has been life-changing, and she is now passionate about encouraging other veterans and their families to explore similar programs. She recognizes that while the challenges of military life can be tough, sport and recreation can offer a powerful support system that is essential for both veterans and their families.
“Defence life can be hard, but sport can help. Sometimes, family members need this support as much, if not more than a veteran does.
After incorporating movement into my everyday life, I feel better within myself, have more clarity, and look forward to what’s next.”
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A huge thank you to all the ACT veterans and
📣 Calling all ACT based veterans and family
🧘♀️ Ready to Give Yoga a Go? 🧘♂️