The power of being positive and a little help from friends and family can make this time apart your time to shine. Follow these tips to stay on the sunny side of the street during your partner's deployment:
- Believe in yourself. You can do this.
- Try something new and stay healthy.
- Visit friends and family, or have them visit you.
- Save money.
- Spoil yourself once in a while.
Yes, it's possible to stay positive during a deployment. Stress is normal for everyone during this time, but with an optimistic attitude, you and your family can rock this deployment. Below are some ideas to help you stay cheery during your partner's deployment:
Read More »
- Form an "I can do this" attitude. You've got this. A loved one's deployment may seem overwhelming, but you might be amazed at what you can accomplish on your own and with help from other military spouses.
- Try something new or set goals. Clean out that wild mess you call a garage, turn yourself into a human pretzel at a yoga class, or learn Spanish and figure out how to roll your Rs. Keeping yourself busy, healthy and growing will help you think positively.
- Visit loved ones. For some military partners left at home, deployments can be an ideal time to visit good friends or family members you haven't seen in a long time. Or, invite them to visit you.
- Keep your friends close. Understand you're not alone. Focus on friends and family who lift your spirits and empower you. Consider finding another military family going through a deployment and share the good and bad times together.
- Stick to a routine, but create new family rituals. Consistency is important for everyone, especially children. Try to stick to a routine, even if it's tweaked while your partner's gone. Continue rituals like your Saturday pancake breakfasts, but consider adding new ones like Friday make-your-own pizza night to get everyone involved and excited.
- Plan a post-deployment vacation. This can be something to look forward to and talk about with your family while your partner is deployed.
- Set a money-saving goal. Deployment brings in extra money, but don't spend it all on trips and vacations. Set up a system for saving some of that extra cash with your installation's Personal Financial Management Program or call Military OneSource for financial counseling. Remember this money isn't a permanent addition to your budget.
- Pamper yourself. Take time out for a long, relaxing bath, get a massage, or find a babysitter and go out with friends. You deserve it. Positive changes are still happening, too — even through the tough times. Focus on the independence and maturity you and your family develop during the deployment. If you feel overwhelmed and need some expert help, don't be afraid to call or visit one of the services below. That's why we're here.
Support services
- Military OneSource's health and wellness coaching — Available for free to eligible individuals, this coaching service can help you manage your weight, stress and life transitions, like dealing with a deployment.
- Confidential non-medical counseling — Both Military OneSource and the Military and Family Life Counseling Program offer services for life situations, such as coping with deployments.
- Family readiness groups — These groups help connect you with other military families and give you helpful information about how to keep on going through a deployment.
- Support centers — Call or visit your installation's Military and Family Support Center for a host of free programs and information that can help you handle stress during this time.
Deployments can be stressful for all involved, but keeping a positive attitude can help. If you feel overwhelmed and trying to stay positive just isn't cutting it, don't hesitate to call or visit one of the many services available to you.