So, here you are, about to dive into the wild and unpredictable world of military life. First off, welcome! You’re about to experience something unlike anything else, and it’s okay to feel a whole mix of emotions right now. Excited? Nervous? Completely overwhelmed? All totally normal.
Military life is full of ups, downs, and everything in between. If you’re freaking out a bit (or a lot), you’re not alone. That’s why I wanted to share some real talk, practical tips, and a bit of encouragement to help you find your footing in this new chapter.
Feeling All the Feels (And That’s Okay)
Let’s be real: this journey can be an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you’re proud that your spouse is following their dream, and the next, you’re wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into. It’s okay to feel scared, anxious, or even a little resentful. Every military spouse has been there at some point.
You don’t have to have it all together. Talk to someone, write it down, or just give yourself permission to feel whatever you’re feeling. This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real.
Building Your Emotional Toolkit
Mindfulness for Real Life
When military life gets chaotic (and it will), sometimes all you need is a moment to breathe. No fancy meditation required—just take a few deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. It’s like hitting the reset button on your brain.
Journaling That Doesn’t Suck
You don’t have to be a writer to benefit from journaling. Just grab a notebook and jot down whatever’s on your mind. Here are a few prompts to get you started:
- “What’s my biggest fear right now?”
- “What’s one thing I can control today?”
- “What am I grateful for in this crazy military life?”
Utilize Available Resources
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is reach out for support. Did you know that as a military spouse, you have access to free counseling through Military OneSource? Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or just need someone to talk to, they offer confidential, non-medical counseling that’s just a phone call away. It’s a great way to get support without feeling like you’re handling everything on your own.
Explore Online Resources
If you’re more comfortable seeking support online, Military OneSource also offers a variety of tools, from financial planning to wellness apps. These resources are designed to help you manage everything from stress to daily life challenges, all tailored to the unique needs of military families.
Rolling with the Punches
Military life means dealing with a lot of unknowns. Where will you live next year? What’s the deployment schedule? Who knows! The key is to focus on what you can control and try not to stress about the rest.
Get Organized: Keep important documents and info in one place. Speaking of managing daily life challenges, consider getting our downloadable Military Family Emergency Binder. It’s a simple way to store all your important military documents and information in one place, making life so much easier when the unexpected happens.
Make a Plan: Whether it’s for the next move or just the next week, having a plan can make things feel a bit more manageable.
And don’t forget about your own goals. Whether it’s a hobby, career, or personal project, keep something just for you. It’s important to have your own thing, no matter how small.
Finding Your People
Military life is tough, but it’s a whole lot tougher if you try to go it alone. You need people who get it—other military spouses who know exactly what you’re going through. Whether it’s online or in person, finding your tribe can make all the difference.
Where to Look
- Online Communities: Join groups like Army Wife 101 Q&A. It’s a great place to connect, ask questions, or just vent when you need to.
- Local Groups: If you’re on base, check out local spouse clubs or meet-ups. Even if you’re not super social, it’s worth checking out.
Rolling with the Punches
Military life means dealing with a lot of unknowns. Where will you live next year? What’s the deployment schedule? Who knows! The key is to focus on what you can control and try not to stress about the rest.
Get Organized: Keep important documents and info in one place. A little organization goes a long way in reducing stress.
Make a Plan: Whether it’s for the next move or just the next week, having a plan can make things feel a bit more manageable.
And don’t forget about your own goals. Whether it’s a hobby, career, or personal project, keep something just for you. It’s important to have your own thing, no matter how small.
You’ve Got This
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this post, it’s that you are stronger than you think. Military life is tough, but so are you. You’ve got a community here to support you, and you’re going to get through this—one day at a time.
So, take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and remember: you’ve got this.
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Krystel is the mom of two and an Army Wife. In addition to Army Wife 101 she is the Co-Founder of SoFluential.com a digital media agency that connects brands with the military market.
She has appeared on MSNBC ,FOX LA and formerly was a weekly contributor to HLN's "Raising America". She has written for various outlets including Sheknows and Lifetime and is a big fan of cupcakes and french fries.