Whether if you’re a girlfriend, fiancee, or wife (or vice versa for males), when your significant other leaves for several weeks or months, it’s hard. Really hard. Especially when talking with them is extremely limited. There are many ways you can make the time go by faster and take your mind off missing them.

1. Volunteer

There are so many ways you can volunteer in your local community. I personally volunteer at my local church and food bank. You can volunteer at a homeless shelter, animal shelter, hospital, youth program, and so much more.

I’m willing to bet there is something you are passionate about, so use that passion and make a difference. Many of these places rely on volunteers to stay open. Make a quick Google search and see how you can help out your community. I feel so humbled when I volunteer, and it’s one thing to look forward to each week.

2. Take Care of Their Things

If you do not live with your significant other, set aside some time each week to clean up their home. Can you imagine being gone for several months and coming back to a house filled with dust and germs? I make sure I clean my boyfriend’s apartment at least every other week so it stays clean for him.

If you do live with them, you can wash their car while they’re gone. Cars can get so dirty when they sit for several months. It’s also good to start vehicles every week or so. Spend some time hand washing your S.O.’s car or truck and make sure it doesn’t need any servicing.

3. Hang Out With Friends

I’m mostly preaching to the introverts out there. It can be easy to sit at home and block out the rest of the world when you’re dealing with something. I know I’ve been there. Ask a friend to coffee or dinner at least once a week. At first you may think, I’m so upset, the last thing I want to do is get ready and see people. The truth is, you feel great afterward. Time flies when you’re having a great conversation with a good friend.

4. Get Healthy!

The most common excuse for not working out is a lack of time. Now that your S.O. is away and you have time on your hands, make a point to get in shape. Spend at least an hour a day walking, running, or lifting weights. You can also spend time making your own healthy meals at home, instead of spending money on unhealthy fast-food.

If you have read my blog before, you know that I consider mental health as general health. When you have a cold, you go and see the doctor. When you aren’t feeling great mentally, you should also see a professional. If you are having a hard time coping with your S.O. being away, visit a counselor once a week. Take care of yourself!

5. Spend Time in Prayer

You may feel lonely. You may be overwhelmed with worry and sadness. If you are a believer, God promises us that we can turn to Him as a refuge. He promises that He will give us comfort when we turn to Him. Take this hard time and turn it into a way to develop your relationship with God.

6. Vlog

When my boyfriend is gone, I do a weekly vlog for him. We have found that it helps him not feel so out of the loop once he gets back. It also helps me because I feel like I’m talking to him as I’m talking to the camera. At first, you may feel ridiculous filming yourself as you get dinner, but it becomes second nature.

The great thing about vlogging is that you get to keep the memories forever. You can show your kids what life is like when Dad or Mom is gone. You get to document all of the raw emotions you felt when your S.O. was gone.

7. Send Them Mail

If the whole vlog thing doesn’t sound very fun, try doing a daily journal. You can mail them your entries once a week and it will help them stay in the loop. Even when you do the vlog, you should still make a point to send them letters and care packages. They appreciate you thinking of them when they are gone. My boyfriend has said that when he gets mail, it completely boosts his morale and his mood.

Some Encouragement

If you are reading this because your S.O. is gone, I want you to know that I am praying for you. If you would like to request a prayer, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me through email or social media. I am always open to talking with my readers, especially when we have something so big in common.

You can do this. You are doing something that most people couldn’t do. Some people underestimate the strength and courage of a military S.O., but I know it is one of the hardest things. Stay strong and thank you for the sacrifice you have made as a military S.O.