6. Break a sweat

When people ask me how married life is going, I often laugh. We are a dual-military couple , cross-branched, and stationed 502 miles apart. I have NO idea how married life is going. While I usually can make a joke out of the situation, oftentimes the curious folks ask me how I occupy all that time alone. And that is not something unique to a dual-military couple. Nearly all military couples will be separated at some point for a significant amount of time thanks to government-sponsored cruises, desert adventures and schools that teach more in the mud than the classroom. So what do you do when you have too much time to think about being alone? Here are a few solo activities for those of you who are like me and can’t stand not to be busy... because when you slow down, you realize how many more days there are until the next visit. 1. Go fishing While you won’t ever catch me putting a worm on a hook, I hear fishing is a great relaxing pastime. After all if you’re out there chatting away with other people you’ll just scare the fish! So grab a rod and reel and see if you can find a bit of peace out there on the water. 2. Hit the beach I might not be a master fisher, but I can appreciate the solidarity of being near the water. Grab your chair, a good book , and your sunscreen and head to the beach. If you get there early enough you can catch a sunrise and remember just how lucky you are to just be alive no matter how stressful things might be going at the time. 3. Travel [caption id="attachment_3913" align="alignnone" width="508"] source: giphy.com[/caption] Ok, this is harder for those traveling with kids . But if your spouse is gone for a long period of time, maybe a change of scenery is just what you need. And no I don’t mean go home and visit the in-laws. I mean pick a place you’ve always wanted to explore and go! I hear Seattle has some of the friendliest people. And Charleston holds a southern charm that can’t be matched. I know it can be scary to travel alone, but you will realize you are far braver than you think when you’re exploring a new city alone. 4. Have a spa day [caption id="attachment_3911" align="alignnone" width="500"] source: giphy.com[/caption] Who wouldn’t enjoy a day of pampering? Mani/pedi, massage, get your hair trimmed (or just washed since that’s always the best part!) Enjoy being spoiled by others for a day. It’s good for your mental health! 5. Take a class [caption id="attachment_3907" align="alignnone" width="500"] source: giphy.com[/caption] Try something you know your spouse would hate to do. Maybe it’s a sip & paint night. Maybe you want to learn a new language. Heck, maybe you want to get that next degree. Get started on something that you are passionate about. I can tell you from experience trying to finish another degree is a great way to never have free time. Finals and papers and research will take up a lot of time! 6. Break a sweat [caption id="attachment_3906" align="alignnone" width="500"] source: giphy.com[/caption] Even if you are the least coordinated person this side of the Mississippi, you should try out a Zumba class. If nothing else, you will get a GREAT laugh out of trying to shake your booty. Or maybe yoga is more your style. Most studios have a free or low cost drop in fee for first time visitors so you can test it out before signing up. And if those activities are too passive for you, I don’t know a major military community that doesn’t have CrossFit gyms nearby. Just get out there and get active! 7. Check out a local museum [caption id="attachment_3910" align="alignnone" width="508"] source: giphy.com[/caption] While it’s always fun to go with someone so that you can look at the abstract painting and ponder how those artists get paid so much for something that looks like just one line on a canvas, it’s nice to go on your own. You can wander at your OWN pace without someone wanting to rush off to the next room to see the sculptures. 8. Go to a movie [caption id="attachment_3909" align="alignnone" width="508"] source: giphy.com[/caption] My friends laugh, but going to the movies alone is one of my FAVORITE things to do. First off, when I go with friends, I am that person who is whispering silly comments through the whole thing. So if I go alone, I am more likely not to miss something while we’re giggling. And second, if you go alone, no one is going to make fun of your movie choice or try to steal your popcorn. 9. Make a difference [caption id="attachment_3915" align="alignnone" width="500"] source: giphy.com[/caption] Volunteer for a local shelter. Work at a food bank. Get involved with a non-profit group in the area that is close to your heart. Doing good for others will bring a happiness into your life that can’t be measured. Connect with us on Facebook!

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