the tell-tale signs of a funk
We’re coming up on the halfway point of J’s deployment, and I’m starting to slip into a slump. How do I know this is more than just feeling sad about being apart from my husband? Here are some of my tell-tale signs:
- Biting my (polished) nails
- Staying up late
- Eating too many sweets
- Isolating myself from friends and family
- Having difficulty checking off items on my To Do list
I know that eating more well-balanced meals and going to bed earlier would probably help me feel better, but when I’m in a funk it’s hard to make good-for-me choices. I also don’t get the satisfaction of accomplishing tasks like I usually do, making everything, even easy things like chores, more difficult.
What are your tell-tale signs of being in a funk? How do you get through a slump? I’d especially love to hear from other military wives.
(The print above is by modernemotive and features my new favorite quote: Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving. Albert Einstein, 1879 – 1955)
Ugh, I always hit a “are you kidding we’re not at the halfway point??” funk too. I know EXACTLY how you feel – I swear, I do all of these things too. Back in May, I believe I hit my deployment low when I stayed up to watch The Hills until 3AM, pizza rolls in hand. EW! I’m embarassed to write that! That 6AM wake-up for a 10 hour day at work was not feeling great. I decided I needed to pre-commit to plans, that way I can’t back out last minute in order to spend time with Tivo and cookie dough instead:) I made a ton of plans to work out with friends – Zumba classes, long runs, Yoga. Working out, running especially, always puts me in a good mood, makes me feel accomplished, and gives me energy to tackle all the little things that seem so hard when you have the deployment cloud hanging over you. Oh, and making plans for when he returns – even if it’s just daydreaming over vacations, houses, or the perfect lazy Sunday. That helps too.
Hang in there!! You’re almost over that obnoxious halfway hill. And – if you need a few sweets to get over that hill… no one is going to judge:)
I know it’s a funk when I’d prefer to sit around and watch hours of TV or movies than get something done or go out with some friends.
The half-way point is huge! That’s when I always start to plan out a schedule for the time that’s left. What’s already on the calendar? What do I still need to do? What would I like to do before he comes home? It’s the “deadline” that helps me realize that my chance to enjoy time to myself is rapidly coming to an end!
I think the previous commenter gave you a huge opportunity to pull yourself out of that funk. You made it halfway and the beginning is always the hardest battle, isn’t it? In the beginning you are facing a long time without your husband. But you are halfway there – why be sad anymore? Well, you know what I mean. Miss him of course, but it’s HALFWAY over. You should start making plans – you need something to look forward to and count down to. Plan a really good meal for the day he is back. If you aren’t much of a cook, use the next 6 weeks or so to practice a few times to make it perfect. Make a sign for his welcome home. Make a doggie bandana for Briscoe. Make a surprise party with friends. Just start planning. If you have things to plan and look forward to, the weeks will fly. Plus you will feel better and also do things for yourself.