Divorce is a difficult process. While it’s highly likely that you’ll have to devote a significant amount of time and energy into the legalities of your marriage dissolution, the most important thing is your health and wellbeing. That’s why this week we want to take a step back from the legal maneuvers you should make during the course of your divorce and instead look at some things you can do to make getting through this difficult time in your life just a little bit easier.
Coping with your divorce
Losing your marriage is like losing a part of yourself. As a result, it can be easy to slip into anxiety and depression and lose hope for a successful future. Try your best to not let that happen to you. To assist you, we’ve compiled these tips that we hope you’ll find useful:
- Give yourself permission to take a break: If you’re like a lot of people, then you probably feel obligated to give every day 110% of your effort, even when you’re not feeling up to it. You don’t have to maintain that level of productivity when you’re dealing with the emotional struggles of your divorce. Instead, give yourself permission to take a break and try to be okay with the idea of being less than optimal day in and day out.
- Focus on you: During divorce, it’s important that you focus on what’s best for you. While that certainly pertains to legal issues like property division, it also means focusing on your mental health. If you feel like you need support, then consider seeking it out not only from family members and friends, but also from support groups and mental health professionals. Even taking up new hobbies or renewing interests that were shelved during your marriage can give your life the reinvigoration that it needs. This can make the road ahead seem a little brighter.
- Try to avoid conflict: This is certainly easier said than done, especially when you and your soon to be ex-spouse don’t get along. But oftentimes conflict only increases stress and makes the divorce process prolonged and less productive. So, if it’s possible, try to communicate with your spouse on amicable terms or at least on less confrontational terms. This will make life easier for you in both the short and the long-term.
- Know how to talk to your kids: A lot of individuals who are overwhelmed by divorce feel that way because they’re worried about how the process will affect their children. This is a legitimate concern, but there are steps you can take to make the process easier for you kids, too. Listen to them and be reassuring. Try to maintain their routines as much as possible without disrupting their schedules. Let your children know that they can talk to you at any time and try to not involve them in the conflict of your divorce. Taking these steps can ease the stress of coping with your divorce when your children are involved.
Recognize that there’s a path forward
To many individuals, the road ahead post-divorce is dark, and they can quickly become overwhelmed by the thought of starting their post-divorce life. We know it can be daunting to get through your marriage dissolution, but there is hope waiting for you. Just try your best to be thoughtful about how you proceed with your divorce and what you can do to protect not only your legal interests, but also your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.