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Deployment can be a very stressful time for a military family. The absence of a spouse and or parent can make family life and daily activities a hassle.
Even though the deployment itself can be stressful, the worst part can be the weeks leading up to a spouse’s homecoming. Even though you may have kept in fairly steady contact, it is very normal to be concerned about changes that have occurred and reintegration to civilian life.
Often stress and anticipation build as the days count down. Try these 7 stress relievers to help calm worries and anxieties before homecoming.
Homecoming is such a highly anticipated event that it can cause stress and anxiety.
If you find yourself constantly thinking and worrying about a homecoming, busy yourself with things to do around the house that you usually put off.
Actually dust the top shelf, shake the rugs or reorganize the junk drawer. These semi-mindless tasks can help take your mind off of your worries as well as give you confidence that your home will be in tip top shape for their return. Its great to take your mind off of things and take an active role in preparing for your spouse’s return.
Do avoid getting caught up in to the point that you are worrying about making the house “spotless” and “just right” for your returning spouse.
Because of our daily exposure to music in the car, on our iPods and even on television, people often forget that music has some great healing qualities to help get us out of a funk.
If you’re really stressed try listening to classical or smooth jazz and if you really need to blow off some steam blast your favorite song in the car and sing along. Losing yourself in the music can be a cathartic and relaxing experience.
If you’re feeling really stressed out about homecoming, consider going for a run or getting into a daily exercise routine.
Not only will the endorphins released during exercise help you feel better, the improvements in how you look and feel can give you an extra boost of confidence when you feel run down.
At first you may envision a Buddhist monk when you think of meditation, but in reality meditation and mindfulness is something that anyone can do and benefit from.
Meditation can be as simple as taking 10 minutes out of your day to sit and focus your mind on one thing. If you calm yourself and just think about your slow, steady breathing, you’ll be surprised how much more relaxed you’ll feel.
Sometimes the hardest part of stressing about a homecoming is the constant stream of worry going through your head. Rather than run over the same thoughts a hundred times, meet or call a friend and ask if you can bounce some ideas off of them to see if you’re making any sense.
Friends can reassure you that you’re just overthinking everything and help you calm down by simply talking through it.
Family activities are a great way to clear your mind.Work with children, extended family members and even friends to make a welcome home sign or just set up a fun craft or baking activity to do together.
Spending time with your family and friends can help remind you that everything will be okay and, more importantly, that you aren’t alone in the nervous excitement about homecoming.
Picking an outfit for homecoming is all about making sure you feel attractive, comfortable and confident!
Most military spouses will tell you that before their service member returned, they stopped at the mall to pick up a new dress or stopped at the hairdresser to get a new do.
Although this may seem cliché or superficial, chances are you’ve been spreading yourself thin for months beforehand and taking a moment to focus on yourself and feel confident is long overdue and helpful.
If you’re stressing out about an upcoming homecoming, the most important thing you can do is understand that the worry is normal and chances are, your spouse is just as nervous about seeing you again. Focus on the excitement and happiness surrounding a homecoming and enjoy the family reunion.
Photos thanks to Official US Navy Imagery and s-a-m via Flickr Creative Commons
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