4) Plug IN for support
This is also the time to lean into the greater military spouse community for support. Search the archives of Military Spouse for specific topics, find local interest groups on social media, or read a book for military spouses. Or, how about listening to one of the podcasts specifically created for military spouses? The military life/veteran podcasting space is growing by leaps and bounds and can give you encouragement and support wherever you are in the world. Here are a few suggestions:
Milspouse Matters: encouragement for military spouses and families with interviews, practical tips, humor, and resources. Motto: “We’re stronger together!” (shameless plug–I’m the host of this one!).
Dear MilFamily: talking about anything and everything related to military life. Host Sheena understands there’s no such thing as a cookie-cutter military family.
Milspouse Coffeehouse: the perfect spot if you’re looking for some laughs about the craziness of military life with your “podcast baristas” Leslie and Britni.
Find these and others in your favorite podcast app!
5) Grab little moments
Self-care can seem like a fool’s errands in the busyness of a military move. Let’s face it, it’s not likely that huge chunks of time will appear so that you can focus on you. Still, can you manage 5 minutes with a cup of coffee before your day starts and you dive into your to-do list? Sit on the back porch at the end of the day for a nightcap and some quiet thoughts? Listen to the music of your choice while running errands? It’s the little moments that can make a great difference during this time, so try to build it in when you can.
Rather than filling every spare minute with the endless to-do’s that go hand in hand with any PCS, I hope you’ll remember that being intentional about taking care of you is important, too.
