I think it is all to do with your mind set............. if there is no way to avoid the seperation then accepting that it is happening and ensuring that you fill your time with things to do that stop you putting your life on hold will help.
I think it is very good for personal growth to have a period apart, it can remind you that you are a person in your own right and can cope alone if needed, especially if this may happen again in the futre. You can either see it as a positive thing and do postive things or see it as negative and mope and feel sorry for yourself................
Keeping in contact is good as is telephone sex if you can get into it !!!