How to Prioritize Self-Care During a Divorce
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When you’re growing up, there are certain things that you look forward to. Turning 16, 18, and 21 are big milestones that allow you to take on added roles and responsibilities.
When you start dating, you’re excited to start a relationship and move on to the next stages of getting engaged, married, and building a life together with your partner.
But some things occur that you can’t plan for and also couldn’t imagine for yourself. Divorce is one of those things. No matter if you knew it was coming or if it came out of nowhere, this type of change isn’t easy.
To minimize the impact of the inevitable bumps on this road, it’s important to find ways to protect and nurture yourself. Below are some ideas for how to prioritize self-care during a divorce.
Take Care of Yourself
A life change as big as a divorce can lead to added stress in your life. It can also bring many changes to your daily life and routine. It’s important to always take care of yourself, especially during times of high stress. Make sure you’re eating healthy and well-balanced meals, aiming for at least eight hours of sleep each night, and finding ways to move your body for at least thirty minutes each day. Making sure you’re taking care of yourself can naturally reduce your stress levels, improve your overall mood, and make you feel better from the inside out.
Do the Things You Love
When you’re in a relationship, you split your time, energy, and efforts between yourself and your partner. This next chapter in your life means that you can give yourself your full and undivided attention again. Now is the perfect time to put yourself first again. Do the things that bring you joy and that you actually want to be saying “yes” to. Sign up for a class you’ve been wanting to try. Start gardening. Or spend a little more time catching up on a show you’ve been meaning to watch or read the book that’s been sitting on your nightstand. Whatever activity you decide to do, make sure it fulfills you and makes you happy.
Lean On Your Loved Ones
Your loved ones are there for you no matter what, through thick and thin. You would be there for them if they were experiencing a similar matter, so allow them to do the same for you. You may feel like it’s easier to lock yourself up in the comfort of your home and be alone, but this can just leave you feeling isolated. Allow people in. Let them know what you need from them so that they can show up to support you. You may want someone to be there to distract you, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to chat with and seek advice from. Surround yourself with your loved ones during this time.
Allow Yourself to Feel
It may be easier to try to bury your true feelings about the divorce deep, down inside yourself, but this is a short-term solution and can lead to worsening issues. While it’s not easy to process those various thoughts and emotions, it’s often necessary to move forward in your life again. Going through all of the emotions of a divorce can feel like you’re on a rollercoaster. It may be uneasy, scary, and anxiety-provoking at first, but somewhere along the way, you’ll be able to feel excited again. After you process how you’re feeling, it will make it easier to find the joy in life again.
Seek Additional Support
Going through a divorce is similar to losing a loved one. You have to go through the grieving process. Sometimes an outside third party may be necessary to help you sort through all of the different thoughts and feelings you’re having so you can fully process them while not wallowing. A mental health professional specializing in divorce and breakup recovery can give you the tools you need to be able to move forward again. Your next chapter is waiting for you. Reach out today to set up a free consultation.