Creative ways to deal with loneliness (for the military spouse).
At some point as a military spouse you may start to feel alone. A looming deployment is in view or he’s already left, your sweet friend from across the street has moved, or you’re hundreds of miles away from loved ones. These are hard circumstances the military spouse faces. Where some communities gather around and bash these wives for running to food or being promiscuous I decided that maybe we could come up with some better ways to dealing with that unfriendly feeling!
My heart goes out to the women that run to food or other men. It really does seem to fill up that lonely spot but in the long run its going to hurt! Lets not even let that be an option. Trust me, there are better ways to deal with loneliness.
Here are ten!
1.Phone Calls - Chatting with a friend can brighten your day.
2.Serve Others - Take time to do something for the people in your life. Maybe surprising a friend with coffee? Make dinner for a family, Or offering to watch their kids for an afternoon while they have some quiet time. Reaching out to others will take the focus off feeling alone.
3.Hobby -There are a lot of creative juices flowing through the land of pinterest. Take some time to discover a new hobby! Sewing, Painting, Gardening, or Baking are good ones.
4.Get Moving - Its hard to fight that lonely feeling when you feel sluggish. Enjoy the greater outdoors and go for a walk. Start slow but even in a short workout you’ll feel ten times better!
5.Girls Night -I know this can be hard but if possible try to enjoy an evening out with your girlfriends! Being around other military wives can be encouraging and serve as a reminder that you’re not alone. If you can’t find a babysitter I saw a group of women at a local base restaurant with the kids too. At least it will get you out of the house for a night.
6.Visit Family -Seeing the people that know and love you will lift your spirit. They may not understand exactly what you’re going through but they know how to love you the best. Having a change of scenery can be a good thing.
7.Write -Send letters, care-packages, or emails to your husband. If he is home and you feel down write sweet notes and stick them on the mirror for him to see in the morning. It can be hard to connect even when they are home with busy work schedules but let him know you care.
8.Enjoy Comfort -What relaxes you? Bubble bath, good book, a concert, hike, day at the spa, time in a coffee shop? If possible try to pamper yourself from time to time.
9.Have Fun – Yes you’re going through a hard time but don’t let that stop you from enjoying life. Watch a funny video, invite friends over to scrapbook with, go to the park with your children.
10.Perspective -This is the most practical one I can share. Take a step back and put that horrible lonely feeling moment into perspective. Yes it hurts and you feel alone, but God promised that He would not leave or forsake you. Trust Him and spend time growing a relationship with the one who loves you the most. He will leads us out of loneliness better than anything else!
I hope that this list is helpful for you. 
You’re not alone friend!
If you would like to hear more of my personal story from years of struggling with being lonely read more at Lets talk about lonely.
Lets hear from you, what are some ways you handle loneliness?
