The emotional effects of divorce
Going through the breakdown of a significant relationship is naturally a distressing time. While you may feel relief for having come to a decision, the upheaval of your routine, loss of a partner and potential for conflicts will be sad and are likely to trigger stress, anxiety and depression.
Navigating a divorce is challenging, and you should be aware that stress can continue long after the legal process has been concluded. Post-divorce trauma is most common in cases where children are involved. Often people struggle to keep up with expected levels of work, and changes in childcare can leave limited time for processing the situation and self-care.
Follow this guide for top tips on coping with post-divorce stress so you feel healthy and happy as soon as possible.
Coping with post-divorce stress
- Seek support
Remember that you don’t have to go through the process alone. You can speak to family law solicitors for advice on managing communication and childcare following the divorce, and discuss challenges and difficult emotions with supportive friends and family.
- Practise self-care
You’ll either feel pulled in all directions or lonely, and both situations can make you neglect your self-care. Carve out time for yourself and use it to nourish your mind and body, whatever that looks like for you. Spending time in nature has proven mental health benefits. Other popular wellness activities include cooking, yoga, meditation and reading.
- Stay active
Exercise releases endorphins helping you feel good and gain a more positive perspective, and achieving fitness goals can be a great way to regain self-confidence after an emotional knock.
Find sustainable ways to stay active such as attending gym classes before or after work, taking daily walks or going on long weekend hikes or runs. Remember your energy might be depleted following the divorce and keep your expectations low. Enjoy the benefits of moving your body however you can.
- Set realistic goals
While you’ll want to get back to feeling like yourself as soon as possible, it’s important not to run before you can walk. If you try to take on too much at once, you’ll likely become overwhelmed and give up on things that in time will help you heal.
Set realistic goals and aim to meet these by following a simple step-by-step plan that gradually increases in line with your energy levels. Celebrate every win, even if this is just getting up at a particular time or doing a short walk in the fresh air.
- Embrace the future
Memories of your ex-partner will come up often, but don’t let yourself ruminate on these. Manage negative thoughts by staying disconnected and letting the moments pass by unaddressed. It’s true when they say things seem better in the morning, and that time heals all wounds.
Embrace the future in everything you do, focusing on building a new life with exciting freedoms that support your aspirations.
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