I love living life out with my handsome husband, Michael. But part of our life is having to be away from each other here and there, which I think is normal for most couples! With work and family situations, sometimes we have to take some days away, whether it’s ideal or not.
Michael goes away for work a few times during the year, so it was important for me to learn how to live on my own while he was away. While yes, of course, I can live just fine on my own, it’s hard to be home alone when the person I love is away. Some people get on my case and say, “So what? It’s just for a few days.” but when you love someone so much and enjoy doing life with them, a few days can be very hard.
Since Michael and I have been married for a little over a year now, I have found some ways to “survive” when he’s away. I’m excited to share them! The hugest thing for me is to stay busy, as I can get stuck in my head if I have too much downtime. I get lonely and sad easily, so I do my best to be aware of that and to prevent it!
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HOW I SURVIVE WHEN MY HUSBAND’S AWAY:
Splurge On Self-Care Time // Self-care is such a passion of mine, and with the extra time I get when Michael’s away is spent hugely on just that. I love to splurge and treat myself by painting my nails, doing face masks, and taking baths with Lush bath bombs. While, I do these on a regular basis, it’s always nice to have the extra time to just chill and relax. Spending extra time on self-care also helps me to sleep better, because I’m relaxed well! It’s hard to fall asleep and stay asleep when my favorite person isn’t with me, so I try to get all of the relaxing I can get.
Have Girl Time With Friends // When I’m home alone for a few days, those are key times to have my friends over for girl time! Whether it’s catching up on a favorite show over wine, going shopping, or going to the movies, I always try to get together with some of my closest friends when I have the extra time. This also helps to not be so lonely! While I do encounter people at work everyday, it’s nice to have friends to chat with about life.
Work On Projects Around The House // I am always finding new things I want to work on in our apartment. It’s been hard for me to love where we live right now as it’s not my ideal style or aesthetic, but I am trying my best to make the most of it. After all, it’s just for a season! The last work trip my husband went on, I started cleaning out our closets and reorganizing our bedroom. I have been putting that off for so long before, because I’m always trying to be intentional in spending the free time I have with him. When considering a project to work on, I think of the one that will best benefit my husband when he returns home. Being intentional about which project to do at which time has been really helpful for both of us.
Spend Time Doing The Things I Enjoy For Myself // Just like working on a project around the house with my freed up time, I love doing things that I love. I usually spend time working on the blog, choreographing new dances, and binge watching Lifetime movies (don’t judge me). This also means aimlessly walking around Target for hours all for fun. I do things I enjoy on a regular basis, but sometimes it’s fun and relaxing to spend more time on the things that I enjoy when I have freed up time, big or small.
Think Of Ways I Can Grow As A Wife // When I’m home alone I think a lot. Heck, when I’m anywhere at anytime I’m always thinking a lot. That’s just how I’m wired. I have been working on being more intentional with my thoughts, which isn’t always easy, but when I am, it’s freeing and encouraging. One habit I’ve been taking up in general, but especially when Michael is away is to think of how I can grow as a wife. Sure, there are tons of areas I can grow in, but I like to choose one to focus on to improve.
Straying Far From The Comparison Game // Being completely honest, comparison is something I have only struggled with since after graduating college. I’m constantly learning that comparison only steals my joy and distracts me from how good and blessed Michael and I truly are together. I shouldn’t care about going on nice vacations or even getting to have weekends away together. Truth is, Facebook and social media only show us the highlight’s in everyone’s lives, and I think that’s something we all need reminders of almost daily.
Cling To The Lord & His Word // When Michael is away, even for just 3 days, I can get extremely lonely. When I feel lonely I can often times become anxious or spiral back down into a depression (I struggle with both regularly). As a believer in Jesus Christ, it’s important for me to cling to and preach to myself His word everyday, but it makes an even more special impact when I’m beyond desperate for His comfort. I love to jot down scriptures that speak to my situation and have them at my desk or on the coffee table. It’s just a practical way to encourage myself when I need it most.
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These are just seven ways that I keep myself busy and growing when my husband’s away on work trips or events. If you’re a wife whose husband has trips to go on, what are some ways you keep yourself busy? What are some things you make sure to do when he’s away? Let’s chat, friends!
