7 Useful Tips to Help Deal with Deployment

7 Useful Tips to Help With Deployment

Deployment:  Yes, it is no hidden secret that deployments are difficult and just the word “Deployment” can immediately cause a rise in a military spouse’s stress level.  But, there are a few tips I can give to help reduce your stress and help you through this process.

1.     One Day at a Time
Instead of concentrating on how long your spouse will be gone, try and focus your attention on taking things one day at a time, and when necessary, one moment at a time. By doing so, you may actually discover that the days pass rather quickly because you're focused on the here and now rather than on some distant date on the calendar.

2.     Reduce Your Workload
Suggesting you reduce your workload while your spouse is deployed may sound ludicrous, if not downright silly, after all, if you're like most spouses, your workload has actually increased because of the deployment.

However, there are numerous ways for you to cut back. For example, if you detest yard work and have the funds to do so, hire a teenager in the summer to mow your lawn. Additionally, that same teenager may want to earn a few extra bucks during the winter and will gladly shovel your snow.

Shopping in bulk is another way to lighten your workload. Stock up when you go to the commissary or grocery store and you'll be able to spread your shopping trips further apart, which means less running around on your part.

3.     Ask for Help
For various reasons, many military spouses have a tendency to avoid asking for help if it's at all possible, which often leads them to suffering in silence. Please, don't put yourself through this. There's no shame in seeking assistance when you need it.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, which often occurs when everyone in the household is sick or you're running at full-speed yet never seem to catch up, don't hesitate to reach out to others and ask for help. Chances are, you'll find plenty of individuals within the military and civilian community that are more than willing to lend a helping hand. Keep in mind that many people want to show their support for the troops and military families and are looking for ways to do just that. Being able to offer assistance to a military spouse whose husband/wife is deployed may actually be something that's very meaningful to them.

Furthermore, if pride is standing in your way of asking for help, offer to return the favor(s) once your spouse is home. You never know, at a later date you could end up being somebody's angel simply because you allowed them to be yours during your time of need.

4.     Make Time for You
You're probably thinking, "Yeah, right. I can barely find time to use the bathroom!"

This response is a natural reaction when we're super busy and someone suggests that we add one more thing to our already overflowing plate. However, making time for you isn't merely another dreaded task to place on your to-do list: it's an act of self-preservation.

Take a close look at your schedule. Can you find some time throughout the day or week that can be reserved just for you? Even setting aside a few minutes several times throughout the day is better than none at all.

If you have young children there are several military-sponsored respite and child care programs specifically in place to give spouses of deployed service members a break when they need one.

5.     Be Choosy About Who You Spend Time With
Your time is valuable regardless of whether or not your spouse is deployed. But because of all the added demands placed on you during a deployment, your time is much more precious than ever.

Do you really want to spend it with negative individuals—people that always seem to have something to complain about or someone to gossip about; people that generally put you in a foul mood or leave you feeling drained and depleted at the end of the conversation?

There's nothing wrong with avoiding or limiting your interaction with negative people and situations. Instead, opt to surround yourself with positive individuals—people that inspire you. Chances are, you'll notice a big difference in your mood and energy levels. Go ahead, give it a try.

6.     It's Okay to Say No
Are you the first person that people call when they need help? Do you have a habit of always saying yes? If so, you're not alone.

Many military spouses will go out of their way to lend a helping hand to their friends, family, co-workers and organizations that they're affiliated with, often to the point of sacrificing their own health and well-being.

Give yourself permission to intermittently say, "I'm sorry, I can't." Not being everyone's saving grace 24/7 may end up being your saving grace.

7.     Reach Out

Last but not least, lean on other military wives that are going through the same things.  You don’t have to be in the same Company or Unit, to understand what each other are dealing with.  Find yourself a “Battle Buddy” today, and share, talk, complain, and support each other.  By doing this, you get and give support and keep the one on one conversation with your spouse for upbeat, and positive conversations.

When in doubt, or just need someone to listen, call your Company’s FRG Leader !

Tessa Smith  #817-948-9462, or email  tessa.smith07@yahoo.com  CCO 3/144 FRG Leader Fwd.