Divorce will be one of the most difficult experiences of your life. Even when both sides work together to minimize stress and confrontation, divorce is often just as traumatizing as the death of a family member. That’s why you must take care of yourself during this time. For many people, the tendency is to put on a brave face and wait for the storm to pass. By acknowledging your feelings and setting aside time for yourself, you can begin the healing process. Life is a series of peaks and valleys, and while going through a divorce is frequently viewed as an emotional valley, the highest peaks await you.
1. Lean on the Ones You Love
Hopefully, you have reliable friends and family members who can provide emotional support during this time. You might be wary of burdening people with your feelings, but chances are, they want to be there for you. Many people don’t know the right thing to say when a loved one is getting divorced, so don’t be afraid to tell them what you need. Reach out if you need someone to listen to you vent, if you need to get out of the house and get a meal, or if you want support during an attorney meeting. Be careful of conflating well-intended support with legal advice, but accept all the support you can.
2. Schedule Time for Your Physical Health
Many people neglect their physical health during divorce; the emotional pain they go through simply overwhelms the body’s need to sleep, eat, and move. If you find yourself going through “the divorce diet”—barely eating—put alarms on your phone to remind yourself to eat. Take time to walk every day or at least several times per week. If you have some pent-up anger to let out, this might be a good time to try kickboxing or another physically demanding type of exercise. Other people benefit from time alone to process their emotions and thoughts.
3. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Divorce undoubtedly puts an enormous mental strain on an individual. There are lots of ways you can nurture your mental and emotional health during this time. If you’re struggling to process or handle your feelings, consider seeing a counselor to help you through this transition. If you don’t have a therapist, we can share a list of options from our internal Team-100 referral list of resources. Consider visiting the library and picking up books on healing from divorce. Consider discovering a new podcast—or trying your first.
4. Leave Breathing Room in Your Schedule
One of the most crucial things to do during a divorce is to be gentle with yourself. Some throw themselves into work or caring for their children, but this is often a way to bury your pain. Sitting with your emotions can be difficult, but it’s a necessary part of healing. If there’s any wiggle room in your schedule, avoid filling it with extra tasks. Care for your body with healthy food and spend time on hobbies that feed your soul.
Divorce is hard, but you can make it easier by trusting a professional with your legal needs. At McConnell Family Law Group, where our goal is “Finding Peace Through Strength,” we understand our client’s legal needs while respecting the emotional transition they are going through. To learn more about the divorce process or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (203) 541-5520, or by visiting www.mcconnellfamilylaw.com.