I have asked a lot of various military spouses I know to tell me what they would recommend putting into a ”bag of tricks” that would help spouses who were facing deployment. Some of my friends have been through 4 or more deployments with their spouse over the years, and some are facing their very first. No matter which deployment you are facing, fifth, second or anticipating one, it’s a scary and anxiety filled time.
Here’s some of the tips I got. I have more to share and will post them a little later.
1. (Shannon) Get involved in your FRG, but stay away from any petty gossip or stupid drama. Pay attention and know who you can and can’t confide in.
2. (Brock) Set at least one healthy and attainable goal to work toward while your husband is away. Plan it out. If you want to lose weight, join a gym and set a goal. Make it realistic. If you want to save money come up with a way you will do that. It gives you something positive to look forward to and work on while he is away.
3. (Tanja) Keep a diary or a blog. Write down what you are a going through each day. Sometimes it can change several times in one day.
4. (Brenda) Plan a regular girl’s pampering party at your house or a friend’s house. Everyone can bring a snack and a beauty product to share. Do each other’s nails and hair. Just have some fun and laugh.
5. (Michelle) Redecorate your bedroom. I found that the change helped me because the change made me look forward to my husband’s return instead of dreading his departure. I was excited for him to see what I had done! Keep in mind though that it should be something he would like too!
6. (Amy) Journal your time apart with pictures. Start an online, free album and upload a new picture for everyday. Just take your camera around with you. Take pictures of things like your front lawn or the kids near the car. It was a way for us to stay in touch and a way for my husband to see things he was familiar with and missed.
7. (Sarah) Pick up a new hobby you always wanted to do. If you want to learn how to cook or garden, do it now. Involve your kids because they need things to help them through too.
8. (Deb) Pick out about 5 of your all time favorite movies and watch them after the kids go to bed. I had a standing date with myself once a week where I would make popcorn and indulge in my favorite theater candy while watching my movies. I had a friend over once in a while, but I really enjoyed the down time after the kids were asleep too.
9. (Cheryl) Take a hot bath. Even if you don’t normally like them. Take one an hour before bed. It always helped me sleep.
10. (Terri) Cry when you need to and don’t be strong for the world. Be strong for your kids. Support your husband and cry like a baby to your support people. They are there for it. Let it out.
