Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

Julie

Networking as an Entrepreneur in the Military Community

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Networking as an Entrepreneur in the Military Community

Networking as an Entrepreneur in the Military Community

By Jenny Hale, The Military Social Media Guru at jennyhale.com

As a military spouse or veteran entrepreneur, owning a business can offer a sense of independence, freedom, and personal self-accomplishment.

However, the key to success is making sales, providing value to the community you are serving, and marketing your business successfully. While some MilCommunity entrepreneurs have mastered this, others may not have (yet!).

For example, have you ever done any of the following online?

  1. Built a Facebook page and invited all your personal family and friends to “like” it?
  2. Started a Twitter account and scheduled out your tweets weeks in advance…and then just let it run because you have 1,000 other tasks to worry about?
  3. Created a LinkedIn page and connected with everyone you ever knew from high school and college?

If so, you’re missing the point of modern social media usage and the benefits it has for your military-focused business.

The key to modern marketing success as an entrepreneur is networking and building relationships. Below are three ways to network within the military community as an entrepreneur in order to find business success.

1. Use Community Groups

There are so many communities online based on your veteran status, marriage affiliation, service branch, duty station, industry, and more. Tap into these communities on Facebook. Facebook groups are a great way to meet other people interested in what you do for a living, as well as find future clients and customers. If you are a U.S. military spouse or veteran entrepreneur, you can join this group for marketing and social media support.

Twitter lists and Pinterest group boards are just a couple other examples of online groups that you can become involved in as an entrepreneur. These platforms allow you to connect and share content from others who enjoy the same passions you do.

There is also more to networking than just being online. The military community has the ability to find like-minded clients and audiences through spouse groups, children’s programs, and adult-excursions on installations.

There are also many civilian groups available, including MeetUp, local Chamber of Commerce organizations, local business groups, and regional/city entrepreneur events.

The more connected a military community entrepreneur is with their surrounding community, the higher the referral and customer base will become.

2. Use LinkedIn (Correctly!)

LinkedIn is such a powerful tool for those who write career-focused content and want to connect with like-minded professionals. LinkedIn is the networking powerhouse for all things career and business.

However, LinkedIn needs to be used as a way to expand your network, unlike Facebook. The goal of Facebook is to add your friends and family, post, “like” a few things you found amusing, and move on.

LinkedIn is completely different. It is an entirely professional platform to discuss a variety of topics that can include marketing, lead generation, entrepreneurship, careers, job skills, job searching, and more. For me, 50 to 75 percent of my leads and blog views come from LinkedIn. I have connected with a targeted military audience, stayed engaged in both the entrepreneurship and full-time career communities, reached out to everyone I have met, and worked to provide value to others.

As a result, LinkedIn has done wonders for me, but if you’re using it to gain connections, promote yourself, ignore inbox introductions, complain about your job, or start political debates, you’re on the wrong platform and doing nothing to help your brand on the site. Using LinkedIn can be a powerful boost in your business if you use it properly and are in the right niche.

3. Be Social

Social media for business is not about inviting your family and friends to like your content. In most cases, these individuals are NOT your target audience or ideal client. If you want to be successful on social media, you cannot just schedule your blog articles and walk away, post a link on your Facebook page, or add hashtags to an Instagram post and expect a successful venture.

Social media is about being social. This means engaging with your followers, asking questions, generating participation, and sharing content that encourages networking. If you’re using social media to just promote yourself and your business, you’re doing it wrong!

Running a business can be tough and marketing it can be even tougher. It can also be a giant time sucker if you are marketing to your community the wrong way and not reaching the right people. Instead, re-evaluate your marketing goals. Is the way you are currently marketing your business right for your audience? If your content is more about you than your target customer, focus on more relationship-building and networking strategies.

Jenny HaleJenny Hale is a marketing and social media consultant, coach, and teacher for military spouse and veteran business owners. Nicknamed “The Military Social Media Guru,” she uses her background working with military non-profits, corporate companies, the Army, and as an entrepreneur to help others struggling to meet their business dreams. With the goal of bridging the gap between the military community’s marketing efforts to civilians and vice versa, Jenny works to make an entrepreneur’s vision come to life. You can follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

 

 

 

What I Learned About My Anxiety When My Husband Was Away

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What I Learned About My Anxiety When My Husband Was Away

This summer my husband was at AT for three weeks. For those that don’t know what AT is, AT stands for annual training with the National Guard and is the training they do every year. Sometimes it is two weeks; sometimes it is longer.

These three weeks were rough for me. My husband hasn’t been away anywhere in a while. Even though he has been gone for a lot longer, this time apart was challenging and my anxiety was at an all-time high.

What I Learned About My Anxiety When My Husband Was Away

Now that he is back home, I can look back, and I realized something. I learned a lot those three weeks about my anxiety, what life is like when he is gone and what I can do about it when he leaves again in the future, especially for a longer period.

I learned that I do need a few things to happen so I can get through the time apart without completely losing it. Sometimes I feel as if any deployment would knock me to the core and that I wouldn’t be able to get through.

My anxiety doesn’t make that any easier.

 

 

What I Learned About My Anxiety When My Husband Was Away

See a counselor

I realized that going to see a counselor is going to be a good option for me. I don’t always feel like I need to see one but the last deployment I did, and she helped me through. I know the next time he deploys, that will be one of the first things I will do. I need that little bit of extra help. I need to be able to talk to someone who isn’t a friend or family member. I need this to stay grounded.

Have a backup plan

I need a backup plan for well everything. What should I do if an appliance breaks? Who can I call if I need some extra help with something or in an emergency? Making a list of all of this information will go a long way in helping with my anxiety. Knowing I have people who can be there for me is a must.

Journal more

I love journaling, but I don’t do it as much as I should. When my husband is gone again, I need to journal daily. I love being able to get all my thoughts out that way. Journaling is its own form of therapy.

Childcare

Childcare for my youngest is a must! He was in a day camp this summer, and that made my life so much easier. I was able to work and have some time where I wasn’t having to entertain an active six-year-old.

Don’t try to be a perfectionist

I have to let go of perfection when my husband is gone. That is what really can get my anxiety going. Am I a good enough mom? Am I a good enough housekeeper? Am I a good enough military spouse? It’s these silly judgments that I put on myself that I need to stop doing. I am doing the best I can, and that is good enough.

What I Learned About My Anxiety When My Husband Was AwayHave my happy place

I have a place in my bedroom that I can go to get some downtime or just to relax. I used a place like that during our last deployment, and it was very much needed this summer. I can go there when things are getting a little too much and can read, watch tv or just chill in a comfortable atmosphere.

Make plans with friends

Making plans with friends is always a good way to break up the days of a deployment or separation. I need to do more of that. Whether we have lunch while the kids are in school or dinner before a T-ball game, having time with others can get me out of my funk and allow me to enjoy our time together.

Anxiety isn’t any fun, and I hate how it can rear its ugly head when my husband isn’t home. I hope that I can make some changes the next time he is away so that I can truly rock that separation more than I did this summer.

Do you struggle with anxiety too? What helps the most?

Are you looking for more posts about surviving deployment? 

 

 

 

 

What To Get Your Husband When They Are Coming Home From a Deployment

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What To Get Your Husband When They Are Coming Home From a Deployment

What To Get Your Husband When They Are Coming Home From a Deployment

I was provided a free box for review!

Every time my husband has come home from a deployment or even a training, I have always bought him a few things to enjoy. Usually, that consists of anything he has asked to have on hand, beer, and his favorite candy. I also make sure to have all his favorite foods available to make that first week.

There is something about having your spouse home from a war zone that makes you want to make sure that they are taken care of and have what they need as well as some things that they want.

This past June my husband was at AT with the National Guard. He was gone three weeks and while he was gone I received a Men’s Health Box to review. This was perfect! I knew my husband would love using a lot of the stuff that came in the box when he got home from three weeks of Army training.

I was going to buy a few of the products anyway so I was glad to see them in the box as I knew they would be helpful.

I received the Best of Grooming Box which is filled with the best of the best products for men’s grooming hand-picked by the experts at Men’s Health.

This is what was included:

The Men's Health Box

These products were so helpful for someone coming home from the field or from a deployment overseas. This box would also be a good gift, whether it is Father’s Day or their birthday. You could get one for your husband, your father, or even your son.

The Men's Health Box

My husband told me that he loved getting these products and that this box is perfect for those coming back from the field or overseas.

How do these boxes work?

The Best of Grooming Box is a one-time box that you can purchase for $49.99. You order right on the website. They also have a Men’s Health Subscription Box where you can receive one box every three months. If your spouse enjoys the Best of Grooming Box you should consider this subscription box in the future.

But wait, I would want to ship this to my husband when he is still overseas. Can they do that?

Yes they do! They ship to APO/FPO/DPO addresses as well as the US, Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.

Men's Health Box

So, whether you want to get this box as a gift or to welcome home your husband from his long deployment, head on over to the Men’s Health Box and learn more about this box! Use the code soldierswife20 for 20% off your first Men’s Health Box.

Let’s Go To Prince Edward Island With Liz Johnson’s On Love’s Gentle Shore

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Let's Go To Prince Edward Island With Liz Johnson's On Love's Gentle Shore

Let’s Go To Prince Edward Island With Liz Johnson’s On Love’s Gentle Shore

I was provided a free copy of this book for review! There are affiliate links in this post. 

I love to read. I don’t have a particular favorite genre. Just depends on my mood and what books I am into at the moment. There is, however, something about a love story that gets me. Whether it is a historical fiction about a lost love or a modern story about childhood friends who find each other again.

I wanted to tell you about a recent book release that I think you will enjoy. On Love’s Gentle Shore is the third book in Liz Johnson’s Prince Edward Island Dreams series. You can also read about The Red Door Inn and Where Two Hearts Meet.

These sweet books take us to Prince Edward Island in Canada while we walk alongside the main character as she tries to understand and figure out a current problem she is dealing with. I have never been to Prince Edward Island, but that place is definitely on my travel bucket list.

On Love’s Gentle Shore is about a woman named Natalie who has moved away from the island to start a new life in Nashville. She is now back on the island to marry her fiancé Russell, but everything is a lot more complicated now that she is back. For one thing, she sees her childhood best friend Justin after all this time and can’t seem to make sense of her feelings about him.

What I loved about this book is that Natalie isn’t perfect. She struggles with her past and even her future. She is trying to figure everything out. I also love that the main characters from the previous books are also interacting with Natalie. We get to see what they have been up to and since we already know their backstory, these secondary characters are a little more real to us than they would be otherwise.

Having read all three of these books, I think this one is my favorite.

Liz Johnson writes about love and such and is a New York Times bestselling author of Inspirational Romantic Suspense and Contemporary Romance. To learn more, visit her website. You can also read the other books I have reviewed of hers in the past.

You can purchase the On Love’s Gentle Shore on Amazon 🙂

Why Milspouses Love the Fourth Of July

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Why Milspouses Love the Fourth Of July

Why Milspouses Love the Fourth Of July

Fourth of July is the perfect summer holiday. For my boys who get out of school in May, the day is right in the middle of summer. There are things to do, fireworks to see, and a country to remember.

Being married to someone in the military means that you are a part of America’s history.

4th of july

So why do Milspouses love the Fourth of July? This is why!

1. The patriotic shows

There is just something about watching fireworks and hearing patriotic music. It reminds us of living in a free country and how much we have because we do. The shows remind us of the sacrifices the military and our families have made over the years to make sure that the country stays free. The shows give us a feeling of community and of celebrating our country with others.

2. Hanging out with friends

4th of July is a good time to spend time with friends, especially if your spouse is deployed. I remember the 4th of July during our 15-month deployment. All of us wives got together and had a fabulous time even though it rained half the day. We were in Germany, half the world away from the US, but we celebrated anyway.

3. Good 4th of July food

From Hamburgers and hotdogs to potato chips and yummy 4th of July desserts, this holiday loves food. Not the healthiest of foods but still. Enjoy the day celebrating with a bbq or picnic in the park.

4. DONSA

Since my husband is no longer Active duty, he doesn’t get a DONSA for the 4th of July, but in year’s past, I loved that he was off that weekend. We always had time to hang out together, bbq, enjoy the local area, and celebrate. As a military spouse, you know how important that family time is.

4th of July

5. Remembering our history

From 1776 through the 1800s, 1900s, and now the 2000s, our country has gone through so many trials and tribulations. Some of these years were better than others. We have been through so many wars and have rebuilt when we needed to.

The 4th of July is a good reminder of all of this and everything that had happened since that day back in the 1700s when we began.

6. Striving to do better

Independence day is a time to look at what our country is going through and think about what could make things better. As William J. Clinton said, “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.” These days seem particularly difficult but I know that our country is a strong one and we can get through them.

7. Red, white, and blue everything

From your shirts to your home decor, red, white, and blue is everywhere. When I was a child, our neighborhood had a 4th of July parade that was always a lot of fun. We would decorate our bikes in those colors and ride around the neighborhood. So many fun memories from those days.

4th of July

8. The concerts

There are so many fantastic 4th of July concerts out there, from the Lt. Dan Band, Kid Rock, or Carrie Underwood. Whether you see these concerts in person or on TV, they will make you feel pride, and you will always remember them in the years to come.

So, this year, let’s say Happy Birthday America! We love you 🙂

What are you doing for the 4th of July this year?

30 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Live On Post At Your Next Duty Station

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30 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Live On Post At Your Next Duty Station

30 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Live On Post At Your Next Duty Station

There are so many decisions to make about moving. When you go to your next duty station, one of the most important questions you will have is whether to live on post or off. What is the better choice?

Here are 30 reasons why you shouldn’t live on post at your next duty station. But know, there are also 30 reasons why you should living on post so make sure to weigh the pros and cons of both.

1. All military, all the time

If you live on post, your lives will be all military, all the time. Your spouse will be very close to work, and you might not get a break from the military like you would if you lived off post.

2. Small yards or none at all

Some on post housing have tiny yards. Some have none at all. This is not ideal for small kids or dogs who want to run.

3. Waiting lists

You might have to wait to get on post. That means renting for a while and then moving once there is an opening. This might not be worth it and could be best just to find a nice place off post.

4. Maintenance takes forever to fix something

You call them, and yet they can’t get to you for a while. Frustrating.

Should you live on post?5. Takes all your BAH, even if that doesn’t seem worth it

In some places, you will give all of your BAH and not feel like you are getting the best use out of it. Time to look off post instead.

6. Have to share a wall

If you hate sharing a wall, your on post choices could be very limited. A lot of on post housing shares a wall.

7. If you don’t have kids, could be stuck in a small space

If you don’t have children, you might not be able to get more than a two bedroom apartment. This can be frustrating especially if your spouse is higher ranking. If you go off post, you can take your BAH and find something that works much better for your lifestyle.

8. People stealing your things

More people means more things can get stolen. From bikes to strollers, nothing is really safe. It’s a shame you can’t even trust your on post neighbors.

9. Annoying dogs

Every neighborhood has annoying dogs, but with on post living, you are much closer together. This means you are going to hear more from these dogs than you would otherwise.

10. Loud neighbors

If it isn’t the dogs, it could be the neighbors themselves. From parties on a Friday night to screaming matches, if you want quiet, look elsewhere.

11. Getting in trouble for little things

Living on post means following their rules. Rules about this, rules about that. And if you don’t follow them, you could get in trouble.

12. Safety issues

There have been quite a few cases about military housing issues. From putting people in run-down homes to dealing with mold and getting sick.

13. Lack of parking

Not having enough parking can be a pain. You want enough spaces for your friends and both of your vehicles, but that might not be possible.

14. Garden restrictions

If you love to garden, there will be restrictions on your post about what you can do. If you want more freedom, off post is the way to go.

15. Children not being watched

Go to any on post playground, and you are probably going to young children who are not being watched by their parents. Then you become the only adult around that has to be in charge of them. This is old. People, watch your kids if they are too young to be by themselves.

Should you live on post?

16. Illusion of safety

We all feel safer on post but should we? Does feeling this way mean that we leave ourselves open to more issues? Always lock your doors, no matter where you live. And always be aware.

17. Farther away from off-post places

If you work off post, living on post can be a pain. You might want to find a place close to where you like to go.

18. Bad areas in front of post

Let’s face it, the area right outside of a military installation isn’t always the best. From bars to bail bonds, not your idea of a nice family atmosphere.

19. No space

When you are on post, you can feel a bit claustrophobic at times. There will always be people around, which can be difficult to get used to.

20. Want a bigger house

A lot of military housing is on the smaller side. If you want more space, you are going to have to go off post.

21. The drama

The more people around, the bigger the chance for drama. And military housing can bring a lot of it. Stay away from the drama, and you will probably be okay, but that can be hard when you are surrounded by it.

22. Don’t have to leave post

When you live on post, you really don’t have to leave post, but that isn’t always a good thing. Get out there and explore. Even if you do call your military installation home.

23. Rules about home businesses

Have a home business? Make sure you follow the rules and regulations of having one on post.

24. Coming home late at night

If you come home late at night, you could run into issues. For one thing, the gate right by your house could be closed. You will have to drive around the rest of the post to get home.

25. Visitors

If you have people come and visit, they will need to be approved to go in. If they are coming without you, they will need to get a visitor’s pass. A lot of hassle.

26. Pet restrictions

You might have four dogs, but on post housing will not allow that.

Should you live on post?

27. No country living for you

If you want to live out in the country, you probably are not going to find that on post. It’s pretty much city living.

28. The schools

Some people love military schools; others do not. If you are on post, your kids will most likely need to go to those schools so do some research about the local areas to find out what is best.

29. Not involved in the local community

When you live off post, you can get involved in your local community. From the schools to getting out and about in your neighborhood. While you can find good community on post as well, you have to decide where you want to be.

30. Privacy issues

If you are a private family, being off post is going to be a better option for you. You can separate military life from home life a little more and create some space between you and the military post.

Whatever you decide to do, know that you can always change your mind down the road. You can move or even do something different the next place you go.

Looking for more posts on PCSing? 

30 Reasons Why You Should Live On Post At Your Next Duty Station

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30 Reasons Why You Should Live On Post At Your Next Duty Station

30 Reasons Why You Should Live On Post At Your Next Duty Station

There is always an ongoing debate about whether you should live on post (or base) once you PCS somewhere new. Some say that living on post is the only way. Others like off post living and don’t think twice about it. And others decide based on the duty station and what is available to them.

Here are 30 reasons why you should live on post, but don’t worry if you don’t agree, there are also 30 reasons why you shouldn’t live on post too.

1. It’s super convenient

Let’s face it, living on post is convenient.

2. Everything you need is right there

You don’t have to drive as far to get to all the places you need to go on a regular basis. Not that you never want to leave the post, but if you didn’t want to, you wouldn’t have to.

Why you should live on post

3. Your spouse can come home after PT for breakfast

This is the best. For them and for you. They can save money by doing so too.

4. Your spouse can come home for lunch

More family time when they can come home from lunch every day. They might have to deploy sometimes but when they are home, you can see them a lot more when you live on post.

5. Very little commute time

Instead of having to drive for a while to get to work, they might be able to get there in just five minutes and in some cases, ride a bike or walk.

6. Playgrounds, everywhere

If you have kids you know how exciting it is to live near a playground. If you are on post you will not be short on those.

7. Someone to call when something breaks

If something breaks, call maintenance.

8. You will feel safer, most likely

A lot of people feel safer on post.

9. More sense of a military community

If you are looking for military community, living on post will be the way to find it. You will be surrounded.

10. All your neighbors get the military life

Because everyone is in the military, your neighbors will totally get this life.

11. Lawn care

Living on post means you won’t have to do as much lawn care as you would otherwise.

Why you should live on post

12. Kids go to school with other military kids

Your kids will probably go to school on post and all of their classmates will have a parent in the military too.

13. Easier to be involved in the military community

If you want to get involved in the military community, it is easier to do so when you are right there in the middle of it.

14. Don’t need a 2nd car, usually

Because a lot of what you need on the post is relatively close, you might not need a 2nd car. You can walk where you need to go.

15. Cheaper

In the end, you are most likely going to save money by living on post. If you are on a tight budget, that is really going to help you.

16. Can get more house

Depending on your family size and where you are stationed, living on post can get you a bigger house.

17. More kids for your kids to play with

If you need kids for your own children to play with, living on post will make that happen.

18. There is some nice military housing out there

Have you seen some of the new housing out there? Some of it is pretty awesome.

19. You have dogs

Sometimes people don’t want to rent homes to people with dogs. Going on post can help with that.

20. Easier to find a place to live

It can be easier to find a place to live when you decide to live on post. Not as many hoops to jump through.

21. The pools

Not every off post neighborhood is near a pool. If your post has a pool, they will be a lot easier to get to.

22. Commissary is doable on a regular basis

One of the hardest parts of getting to the Commissary for those living off post is the distance. If you are on, no problem. You might even be able to walk.

23. Can run to the PX really quick

Need something from the PX really fast? Go ahead, it’s just right there.

Living On Base

24. CDC is close

I love hourly care and when the CDC was right in our neighborhood, that made dropping my kids off there so much easier.

25. Retreat and Reveille

This military tradition is a good one. Hearing it from your own house will make you proud.

26. You learn more about the military

Living on post will teach you a lot about the military, about what life is like there and how things go.

27. Closer to the base hospital

If you need the hospital, you are right there. Especially important if you are going to have a baby.

28. Can volunteer easier

Let’s face it, it is a lot easier to be an FRG leader when you live on post.

29. Kid’s sports

There are usually a lot of sports for kids to play on post. Living close by will make that easier for you.

30. Because doing so will allow you to find out if living on base is for you.

If you don’t like it, don’t do it again but now you know.

Do you like living on post?

Here are some other PCS posts to read:

The 15 Stages of a Military PCS

How PCSing Overseas Will Change You Forever

When You Get PCS Orders to a Place You Don’t Want to Go

 

How To Find Me Time When Your Spouse Is Deployed

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How To Find Me Time When Your Spouse Is DeployedHow To Find Me Time When Your Spouse Is Deployed

 

One question I tend to get asked by my non-military friends is, “Do you ever get any time to yourself during the deployment?” And my answer is “Yes!” Although I have had to work hard over the years to be able to find this me time.

When your spouse is home, you should be able to have them watch the kids, at least every once in a while. You can get out to the mall, meet friends or dinner, or go to your book club.

When they are deployed, finding that me time isn’t as easy.

Finding Me Time When Your Spouse Is Deployed

So what can you do if your spouse is deployed or away on training and you struggle to find that me time you crave?

Trade babysitting with a friend

During past deployments, I have had close friends that I traded babysitting with. This was ideal because we could both help each other out in the same way. This isn’t always possible because doing this requires having a good friend that you trust. You also need someone with children that get along with yours.

But if you can find this, take advantage and bring up trading off with childcare. Even if you just want to take an hour to drink a Starbucks and read a book kid free, you can do so and then return the favor.

Look for events with free childcare

When we were stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany, we had a scrapbooking night once a month. They would usually have a babysitter on site in a playroom, which was nice. Being able to sit and scrapbook with friends and not have to worry about where my children were would make for a fun night and a good way to find that me time.

If you take some time to look at your local area, you will probably find places that do offer free childcare both on and off post. There is a local church here that does a once a month parent’s night out for the local community.

Super Saturdays

Some military bases and military posts have Super Saturdays where you can leave your kids in childcare once or twice a month if your husband is deployed. I have taken advantage of that many times, and they have been a lifesaver.

We could drop off our kids around 9 am and just pick them up sometime in the late afternoon. I knew they were being taken care of in an age appreciate place and it gave me a chance to get errands done or to meet up with friends for lunch.

Finding Me Time When Your Spouse Is Deployed

Family

Many military spouses do not live near family. One thing you miss out on when you don’t live near family is the ability for them to watch your kids. I know if I had raised my kids in the same town as my parents it wouldn’t have mattered when my husband deployed because I knew that they would be able to watch them.

I did spend the summer of 2009 at my parent’s house with my young two and four-year-old. While we did a lot of things together, getting out by myself or meeting a friend was a nice perk to living with them for those months.

When we have family come to visit, they will watch our kids for either a date night if he was home or a night out with friends when he has been away. Even though this can’t happen too often because of the distance, it is a beautiful thing when they come to visit. The extra set of hands helps more than they even realize.

How To Find Me Time When Your Spouse Is Deployed

Firm bedtimes

In some seasons you won’t be able to have any me time. You could have a nursing baby or no one in the area to trust with your children. That is when bedtimes become so important. Make sure you put your kids to bed early enough so that you can spend at least an hour by yourself.

During this time you can watch a television show, take a bubble bath, or have a bowl of ice cream. Taking that time for you will be the best way to help you through the days of deployment.

Hire a babysitter

 

If you have the budget to do so, you can hire a babysitter. See if you know anyone with a teenager that babysits. They probably live close and be good with your kids. You can also use websites like www.sittercity.com to find someone in your local area.

Sometimes just getting out and going to the library/coffee shop, treating myself to lunch, or going on a photo walk for a few hours can refresh me. Especially after a long night. As military spouses, we can take on too much and not find time for ourselves. After months of this, we can get burned out which isn’t good for ourselves or our children.

How do you find time to get away and relax when your spouse is deployed?  How do you find “me” time during deployment?

Here are other posts about deployments:

Don’t Get Sucked Into the Deployment Hole

Yes You Can Handle Life Without Your Spouse, Even If You Don’t Want To

12 Things You Must Do As Soon As Your Spouse Deploys