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First Deployment? 20 Easy Ways to Keep Your Sanity!

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My husband was packing his things, getting ready for his first deployment. I remember helping him gather his necessities, packing that sea bag to its maximum ability and checking off the packing list. He was leaving for months…months…

I didn’t want to think about it. He was leaving in the morning and my mind was going a hundred miles per hour. What was I going to do with my time? When would I be able to hear from him? How was I going to stay SANE!?

Well here you are!

You are right where I was at that moment, and that’s ok! Tomorrow your loved one will be headed for a deployment. You may be wondering what to expect, and the truth is, there is really no good way to prepare someone for the time away from their service member during a deployment.

But having been there, I have some tips and tricks to help you keep your sanity and better yourself in the process. Win win!

  1. Make care packages or send hand written letters to your SO. Be sure to include photos, special surprises and anything else you think your SO would enjoy.
  2. Do not sit by the phone and wait for his call. It’s hard, I know it, but it’s like watching a pot boil water. It will happen, but it will drive you crazy in the meantime.
  3. Join the groups! You will not only find support from people who have been in your shoes, but it will give you distractions from the time away from your SO.
  4. Ever wanted to go back to school; earn that degree or certificate? Now is a great time! Spend those nights you normally would be watching shows in your pjs hitting the books and reach that goal!
  5. Find what brings you JOY! Take some time to determine the hobbies you want to take on or perfect and go for it!
  6. Go find the newbie in the unit/squadron and make a play date. You two will learn to help and lean on each other and it will pay off greatly!
  7. On the same note, get out of the house! Staying locked in and avoiding all social situations is not going to help pass the time.
  8. Learn to cook! This will not only give you a distraction, but a yummy skill that you can show off when your SO comes back. Already a good cook? Learn and experiment with new recipes! I learned healthy Whole 30 recipes during a couple of my husband’s deployments.
  9. If you have kids, focus on helping them pass the time as well. Use tools such as Daddy Dolls, books on deployment and military life or deployment countdowns the whole family can participate in. Let them know that their active duty parent loves them every day and will be home soon. You are their safety now, and you got this!
  10. Try on a new haircut or color for a change. Spice things up! You will feel amazing AND have something to take pictures of for those care packages.
  11. Write your loved one every day. It doesn’t have to be much, but make sure to let them know you are thinking of them and how much you care about them. Be encouraging too; they are also missing you!
  12. Don’t overbook yourself in the name of keeping busy. You’ll only stress yourself out more. Self-care will translate to more confidence, which makes you a even better person when your SO comes back. Not sure where to start? Check out this FREE Self-Care Challenge!
  13. Rent and watch every movie you’ve ever wanted to, but haven’t seen yet because your SO wouldn’t have liked it. I also binge watch shows my husband isn’t a fan of (Bachelor anyone?…No?).
  14. Start a journal and faithfully record your day’s moments with all your thoughts, feelings, fears and joys. Journalling is a great way to process everything going on AND can be a wonderful keepsake for future generations.
  15. Plan a trip to someplace you’ve always wanted to go and do it. And if you want to stay somewhere more familiar, consider a fun trip to see your family! Just do yourself a favor and do not move back home. Trust me; you will be happier in the long run. You can even invite them to visit you if you have the room.
  16. Work hard in your job. Are you wanting to get promoted in your current position? Now is a great time to focus on it! Hate your current situation? Work on making a change and getting a new job.
  17. Save money towards a particular goal for your family or just for the two of you.
  18. Treat yo’ self every once in a while! Have your nails done, go to a show and maybe even eat out a nice restaurant with friends. Don’t forget to splurge on the sitter! Your SO is deployed and you deserve it.
  19. Please ASK FOR HELP when needed. Everyone needs help; that is a fact. Doing everything on your own will only cause unneeded stress.
  20. Finally: KNOW you got this!

All Deployments End

Time may seem to be in slow motion during a deployment, but there are ways to help pass the time without losing your mind. Make your deployment bucket list and get going!

What ways do YOU pass the time during a deployment?

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Hi! Welcome to Mrs. Navy Mama.

I’m Noralee- a military wife of over 10 years, mother of three (soon to be 4) under 5, and lover of southern comfort food, my planner and chocolate. Military life is hard, no question.

Mrs. Navy Mama is a place where new military girlfriends, fiancees, or spouses can get tips and an honest perspective about military challenges.