How To Take Care Of Yourself During A Divorce

Whether you initiated the divorce yourself, or it was your partner's decision, the process can be a lot to deal with. On top of the legalities, such as finding the right divorce lawyer, you’ll also have to protect yourself from the emotional fallout that results from the end of a long-term relationship.  

Firstly, it's important that you are able to see the benefits of divorce. If you are not in a happy relationship, it gives you the chance to start afresh and move on to something new and exciting. It also sets an important precedent for your children, showing them the importance of prioritizing their mental health by refusing to stay in a situation that no longer serves them. 

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to take care of yourself during this time!  

●        Be prepared for the realities of divorce. One way in which you can protect yourself emotionally (and financially) during this time is by being aware of the realities of the divorce. As mentioned above, your divorce lawyer will be able to talk you through the legal reality of this event, such as how you can divide your assets. However, you should also look into the realities and challenges of becoming a single parent, such as custody agreements. The more informed you are, the better equipped you will be to handle your divorce.  

●        Find a healthy outlet for your emotions. We’re always reminded that we should stop worrying about the little things in life, but this concept can be a lot harder to take on board when going through a major lifestyle change. With so much going on, it's only natural to deal with heightened emotions such as low mood and anxiety. As a result, it's important that you find as many ways as possible to deal with this outpouring of emotions. For example, this could include attending therapy sessions, or simpy exercising to let go of your anger. 

●        Focus on self-care. Self-care is essential in our daily lives but is particularly important when going through a divorce. This is because a divorce can quickly shatter your confidence, meaning you must work to lift yourself up. Thankfully, there are various forms of self-care out there for you to try out, it doesn’t always mean spa days and face masks. For example, self-care could mean re-reading your favorite book, spending time with friends, or cooking a delicious meal. 

●        Spend time with loved ones. Stability is hard to find when going through a divorce, as it's hard to forget how much is changing in your life, especially if you are moving house. As such, it's important that you cling to things that will not change, as familiarity is key when working to keep stress to a minimum. For example, you could try to spend more time with your loved ones. Spending quality time with your childrenduring this time is also essential, especially if the divorce came as surprise to them as their lives will also change considerably from this point forward.