Military Spouse Network

/ Staying Healthy / Coping with Stress /

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Being a military spouse is by no means an easy task. There are plenty of opportunities to get frustrated with the sacrifices surrounding the military lifestyle. Your husband or wife has to miss another birthday for training. The effort put into finding your place in a new community is trumped by a PCS. Or, you just miss being around your hometown and family.

The frustrations will come, and while it is important to have an open communication with your spouse, it may not always be appropriate, or healthy to vent your troubles to him/her. Instead of letting all that emotion boil up inside, or come rushing out all at once, try healthy ways to vent frustration.
Here are some techniques to try:

Take it to Technology

Mashable.com lists over 24 sites like JustAnger.com and Asshat that are dedicated to venting anger. Sometimes something as simple as putting your anger out to the world can help.

If you just need to say how you feel, and talk to people that might understand, there is a Military Spouse Central page on Facebook in which you are free to post and receive comments from fellow spouses.

Write and Rip

A key to freeing yourself from frustration is discovering what it is exactly that you’re upset with and the specific emotions surrounding it. Write out how you feel into a journal entry. If that isn’t enough, get some of the energy out by ripping the page into pieces.

Make Something Out of It

Some of the best art has been the product of intense emotion. Use yours to paint, write or work out some aggression by chiseling or carving something great.

One trick is to write all your thoughts on a canvas and paint over them. That way, you can say whatever you want and keep it your little secret.

Work, Work, Work it Out

Chances are, with your anger comes energy or stress. Use it. Go for a long run, punch a punching bag or go to a boxing class. Maybe a few sets with the free weights will be enough to calm you down.

If you’re looking for more of a grounding effect, try to breathe deep with a yoga session or take a long walk in nature. Both can help you focus on other things besides your

Take a Drive

Go for a drive, put on some music and sing/scream your heart out. You can even say your frustrations out loud.

Take the Anger to the Virtual World

While there is still a debate on whether or not they corrupt our children, violent video games may help take the edge off of your frustration. Rather than punch a wall or another person, use gaming devices as a healthier outlet. Whether you spend your time reaching 100 kills in Halo or saving Princess Peach from Koopa, you’ll have had plenty of time to calm down.

Photo thanks to breahn via Flickr Creative Commons

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