How to Manage Deployments when You Are a Spouse

Here are some strategies for maintaining a healthy mind during a military deployment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Pen
• Positive Mind
• Support Group

1. Write a list of things that you enjoy doing the most. Whether it be writing, cooking, water skiing, or feng-shui. Write down everything that brings you pleasure.

2. Enroll in classes that offer the things you enjoy. Have something planned every week so that you have something to look forward to, other than your spouses tentative arrival date.

3. Surround yourself with a healthy mix of people. Don't ignore your civilian friends and don't ignore your military friends. Each group of people has something to offer, and both groups are filled with people that care about you. The civilians can help keep your mind of things, the military spouses can provide compassion and empathy when you need it most. You are not the first, and will not be the last to go through a deployment.

Tips & Warnings

• Above all, keep busy busy busy with positive activities.
• Staying busy and connected will help limit risky behavior such as excessive spending, extramarital affairs, and substance abuse.
• Believe that your spouse will return home safely.
• Volunteer

[amylaine]

on 10/14/2008 Volunteering and continuing education is a great way to productively pass time. Great article.