As a military spouse, taking care of yourself can feel like just another task buried behind PCS moves, being a kid taxi, work and family routines. Though research shows how vital self-care is, practical ideas can be hard to find. A quick internet search about self-care, as an example, produces results about luxury spa trips or recycled quotes like “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
At InDependent, a wellness community founded in 2018, our mission is to make wellness accessible for all military and veteran spouses. As we tiptoe into 2026, here are a few practical ways to care for yourself.
Reflect
This one seems overplayed, but take a moment to intentionally reflect on your routines, goals and stressors. What’s working and what isn’t? What drains your energy, and what can you control? Adjust where you can, and find ways to reduce stress from what you can’t. Reflection helps you recognize small shifts that are sometimes all you need for more self-care.
Daydream
What would a perfect self-care routine look like? Picture it, then take one step toward that vision today. Maybe it’s paying a little extra on bills to get out of debt faster, or adding outdoor walks once a week to get fresh air. If you don’t have childcare, but you have a trusted friend, you could take turns watching each other’s kids so you both get kid-free time. If you need quiet moments, try a meditation app. When you think about where you are and where you want to be with self-care, you can get creative with solutions. Military spouses are great at finding creative, smart solutions.
Focus on the basics first
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Keep it simple and remember that basic daily routines count as self-care. Wear what you already own, tidy up a space that feels cluttered (because clutter is a stress trigger), or move your body a little. These small actions benefit your mental, physical and environmental wellness. Military life keeps us in motion, so taking time to recognize the basics as part of our self-care is paramount.
Amplify what already works
If something supports your goals or is serving you well, keep it up and maybe increase it! Give yourself permission to do the things you love simply because they improve an aspect of your well-being. Just remember to keep balance in mind. For example, eating out might be great for your mental wellness, but terrible for your budget and financial wellness. If you’re feeling out of balance, go back to the first step and Reflect.
Find the fun
As Mary Poppins famously said, “You find the fun and —snap!— the job’s a game!” Find ways to bring fun and joy into the more mundane parts of your routine. No time for soaking in the bath? Turn shower time into a mini spa with a shower steamer. Wish you had more time to read? Listen to an audiobook while doing boring chores. Take a short walk while catching up with a friend on the phone. There’s no secret adulting rule that says we can’t trick ourselves into having fun.
For anyone struggling during a season of overwhelm, “How to Keep House While Drowning” by KC Davis offers some additional guidance. And if you’re looking for more self-care inspiration, visit In-Dependent.org for free resources, our Fuel the Homefront programming, and details about our virtual Wellness Summit coming October 2026.
