How to Be a Navy Wife

As a navy wife, you face some unusual challenges and stress. Alone for long periods of time, you must learn to be independent and handle life on your own. Follow these steps to cope with being a navy wife.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Be prepared for relocation. Navy families often move every couple of years and the constant change can take a toll. You may even have to move overseas and deal with an entirely different country and culture. The more you ready yourself for these moves, the better you will handle them.
2. Find sources of support other than your spouse. There are many support groups specifically for military spouses. Talking with women who are experiencing the same situations and stress can be helpful.
3. Live your life, even when your husband is deployed. Deployment can be a lonely, depressing time for military spouses. It can also be overwhelming because you're the only one to shoulder the family's responsibilities. Take care of yourself. Exercise on a regular basis. Combat stress with yoga, meditation, journaling or whatever method works best. Get a job, take some classes or take up a new hobby.
4. Stay connected to your spouse when he's at sea. Write letters and emails, send small gifts and put together care packages. Share the details of your daily life with your husband to help him feel more connected to you and your family. Tell your spouse how much you love and miss him.
5. Be ready to change your routine once your spouse comes home. After months of making all the decisions yourself, you have to become part of a team again. Take it slow and you'll both adjust.