Whether to divorce is rarely an easy decision to make. There can be considerable handwringing and anguish before filing. Once the decision is made a sense of momentary relief can bring comfort, but new feelings can surface as the divorce process begins.
The following tips will help you support your mental and emotional health before, during, and after divorce.
Find Time to Exercise
If you feel overwhelmed, don’t underestimate the value of exercise. Movement is so important whether you feel drawn to higher-intensity interval training or mind-body practices like yoga or Pilates. Physical exercise may help increase the production of endorphins, which are feel-good neurotransmitters. Just 10 minutes per day can make a difference. If you’ve never exercised before, start slow and easy. If you have injuries or other health issues, check with your doctor for their suggestions.
Speak with a Licensed Therapist
A licensed professional can help you process what you are thinking and feeling. Rehashing mentally what happened during your marriage is common. You also may think about your life long before the marriage and issues you have struggled with during your life. Understanding your own emotions is not the only benefit of therapy. A therapist can better help you guide your children through what will be unchartered territory. You might want your children to attend some sessions with you and on their own as well.
Spend Time with Loved Ones
The divide that characterizes your breakup with your spouse can be partially healed by spending time with other loved ones. Family members and friends can provide emotional support and a shoulder to lean on when you are feeling defeated. They also can take your mind off your divorce and its related stresses.
Enjoy Time on Your Own
Being with others is important. While you do not want to become isolated, spending time with yourself is a crucial part of self-renewal that is needed after the dissolution of a marriage. Meditation, journaling, or even taking a warm bath can soothe nerves and bring more clarity to your situation. Don’t forget to get enough sleep.
Rearrange Your Home Environment
If you still live in the marital home, making a few adjustments can create a feeling of forward momentum. Changing the environment can reduce the number of memories that flood back as well. The changes don’t have to cost money. Moving the couch to another part of the room or shifting where paintings hang on the wall can bring a feeling of newness and possibility.
Consume a Healthy Diet
Many people are stress eaters leaning on ice cream, potato chips, pizza, alcohol, or some other indulgence. Consuming unhealthy food and beverages on occasion is fine but if that becomes your habit, a poor diet will lead to other consequences. Weight gain and increased chances of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancers are among the physical costs you may pay. Beyond that, research has shown that unhealthy diets worsen anxiety and depression, which is the last thing you need as you dissolve your marriage and start a new life.
Self-Care Benefits You and Loved Ones
Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is good for you and everyone around you. Children, co-workers, family members, neighbors, and even people standing in front of you in the grocery line can be impacted if you lash out. Appropriately dealing with the effects of the divorce will make you less likely to take your frustrations out on strangers and people you care about the most. Give yourself the compassion and patience you would give a friend.
Hire Strategic and Compassionate Legal Counsel
Retaining the right legal counsel can also make a difference. At Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Attorneys at Law, we treat our clients with compassion and understanding. We know this is one of the most difficult events in their life. Our clients are not simply the elements of their divorce but are people who want what’s best for themselves and their families. They want a fresh start.
If you are thinking about divorce, schedule a consultation to see if we may be the right fit to help you through the process. Our offices are open for in-person meetings, but we also offer phone and video consultations. Contact Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Attorneys at Law at (914) 873-4410 to schedule an appointment.