Surviving a Spouse Deployment

Being away from a spouse during deployment can be rough. You’re either left by yourself or left with the kids. Either way, it’s an empty feeling when your spouse is away. Surviving a spouse deployment is rough but the good news is, there are a ton of other military spouses that have been in your exact same shoes and have survived to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So if you think about it, you’re really not alone in that aspect, and that’s a good thing!

I’ve put together a couple of things that have been proven to help any spouse through a deployment. So sit back, take a deep breath and get ready to hear some ideas to lift your spirit though this time.

Find your support system

Your support system can be your family, friends, kids, coworkers or anyone that you can share your feelings with.

I found that if you have someone you can talk to whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed or when your spirit is low, it helps bring you back to a leveled state of mind.

There are a ton of spouse support groups on base and on Facebook, don’t limit yourself to the amount of people that can be there for you through this time.

Be mindful to make sure that whomever you lean on, is a person that could give you positive vibes only. Surrounding yourself with positive encouraging people is key during this time.

Self care

It’s so easy to fall into a rut when you’re other half is away. Believe me, I’ve been there done that, but it’s so important to take care of yourself.

Here are some ideas for self care at home:

• Take long hot Epsom salt bath or shower
• Do an at-home facial
• Cook a healthy meal (or indulge in some chocolate😉)
• Take a nice nap
• Make it a point to fix yourself up in the morning
• Paint your nails
• Meditate

This is just a small list of self care ideas, but just try to think about anything that makes you look and feel good.

Pour a cup of something warm

Yes, a simple cup of tea, coffee, or Golden Milk can make you feel all cozy and warm inside, like a big hug! Or maybe a cup of warm soup is more of your style? Whatever it is that brings warm fuzzy feelings inside, that’s the ticket!

Never had Golden Milk before? Well, nows a good time to try it! It tastes so good and it’s packed with nutritional benefits that will make you feel oh-so-good! Click here to head over to my sister Jasmine’s blog for the recipe.

Hey, I know sometimes days like this can make us a little introvert, but a cup of something warm always goes down much smoother with a friend. Remember to reach out, get out and have a good time with others.

Journaling

If you haven’t tried journaling yet, then you’re in for a treat! It’s such a great outlet to express your feelings when you’re not in the mood to talk. You can totally be unfiltered and get lost in your writing.

There’s a great devotional journal by Mary&Martha. It’s packed with scriptures and space to write down your thoughts, feelings and everything in between.

Here are some ideas to journal about:

• List what you’re grateful for
• Jot down what you’re feeling right now
• What you’re stressed about
• Goals for today, tomorrow or for the next week
• Quotes that resonate within you
• What makes you happy
• What are some things you can change
• How was your life 5 years ago?
• How do you want your life to be in 5 years?

You can literally write about anything! And you don’t have to limit yourself to just writing; you can doodle, jot down notes, whatever your heart desires.

Release those endorphins

The best way to feel good and keep busy while your spouse is away, is to get your body moving!

Here are some ways to release those endorphins:

• Yoga
• Workout routine
• A walk around the block
• Running around the park with your kids
• Go for a walk/jog with a friend

You can always find workout routines or yoga videos on youtube for free! Yay!

Monthly surprise

Counting down the days to being reunited with your spouse can be miserable! So why not get a monthly box of goodies sent to your home to help pass the time?

There’s a great monthly box called the Brave Crate, made especially for military spouses with a deployed loved one. The box is packed with self development and personal wellness products that can help shift focus away from counting the days and onto setting goals and finding joy.

The best part about the box is that it will always include a monthly calendar, guided challenges, online trainings and access to a tribe of motivated women who are rocking deployment just like you!

To get you started, use the code: TAKEFIVE to take $5 off your first Brave box. Yay!

Care packages & letters

Now, we can’t forget to send care packages and letters to our loved one! It’s always so nice to put together random packages for our deployed spouse. Because hey, you don’t always need a reason to show you’re thinking about them.

Instead of going to one store to shop for things to put in the care package all at once, spread it out. Look for random things that remind you of them daily.

For example:

• If you go to the beach, pick up some shells and sand
• When you go on your favorite walk, bring back some leaves and write on them
• Take pictures of places that you’ve been to that made you think of them and send it
• Include some new treats that you’ve tried that you know they’d love

All in all…

The main things to focus on when surviving a spouse deployment are: keep positive, keep good company and to keep faith. There will be good days and bad days during your journey, but remember that this is only temporary and homecoming day will be just around the corner in no time.

Let’s make PCSing easier with FREE printables! Just click here to tell me where to send them.