4

Physical and Emotional Well-Being

4.0

Introduction

A mission can be both joyous and challenging. 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 (see Doctrine and Covenants 4:2).

You and your family are responsible for your medical needs. Sometimes a visit to a health care professional might occur during your missionary schedule. In these situations, coordinate the visit in advance with your service missionary advisers.

4.1.1

General Nutrition Guidelines

The following nutrition guidelines are for general use:

• 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 can be 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 help manage stress by practicing habits of healthy eating, regular exercise, regular sleep, relaxation, and spiritual activities. Such activities include praying, pondering, studying, and attending regular worship services.

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 parents or guardians, bishop, or service missionary advisers.

If you have been prescribed medication to manage a 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 missionary advisers and 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 parents or guardians and service missionary advisers.

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 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 the missionary standards in this handbook. However, you may face dangerous situations even when you try to be safe. If there is a problem, immediately report it to your service missionary advisers.

Leave immediately if you feel uncomfortable about a location, person, or situation. Always 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.

You should not spend the night with or live with teaching missionaries.

4.7

Transportation

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

Public transportation is usually less expensive than driving. If public transportation is available, consider using it for getting to and from your service assignments.

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 and their families 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. If you drive, drive defensively.

Service missionaries do not drive Church-owned vehicles while serving but may be passengers. With the approval from the Missionary Department, service missionaries serving in the mission office may drive Church-owned vehicles after receiving proper certification.

Training plans are required if you drive community or charitable organization vehicles during your service assignment.

4.8

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 missionary advisers.

If you are involved in an accident at your service 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 family and your service missionary advisers.

4.9

Personal Funds

You are encouraged to prudently budget and spend your personal funds. The money you use during your mission represents sacrifices by you, your family, and others.

Live the principles of paying tithes and offerings and of saving money.

Do not solicit funds for personal financial support or for the organizations where you serve.

4.10

Service Missionary Dress and Appearance

Because you are an authorized representative of Jesus Christ and His restored Church, your appearance is often the first message others receive. Wear clothing that is appropriate for your service assignments and consistent with your sacred calling.

Throughout your mission, make sure that your appearance and behavior support what you say and do. They should not distract from your missionary purpose. Your dress and appearance should be a demonstration of humility, respect, and faith.

The way you present yourself as a missionary influences the way people think about you and the Lord’s Church. It may also help protect you from harm.

Using appropriate dress and personal grooming is an important life skill that will help you after your mission as well. When attending zone conferences, interviews, and joining teaching visits, follow the dress and grooming standards at Dress and Appearance. This website provides examples of appropriate, professional dress for your mission. Your mission leaders and the Area Presidency may modify these guidelines to accommodate local circumstances.

4.10.1

General Standards for Grooming

Follow healthy grooming standards:

• Bathe daily, if possible.

• Brush your teeth daily.

• Use deodorant daily.

• Wash your hair frequently.

• Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, including before preparing food and after using the toilet.

• Wear sunscreen when outdoors and exposed to ultraviolet rays.

• Choose a neat, professional hairstyle that is easy to maintain.

4.10.2

Temple Garments

If you are endowed, follow the guidelines for wearing and caring for the garment in sections 38.5.5 and 38.5.6 of the General Handbook. Choose a garment fabric that is suitable for your mission’s climate.