6 Tips for Self-Care During or After Divorce
Here are some tips for self-care during or after divorce.
Divorce is one of the top most stressful situations an individual can go through. Even if the separation is amicable, it is a huge event that will cause ripples in every area of your life. During this difficult time, here are some tips for self-care.
6 Tips for Self-Care During or After Divorce
1. Take Time to Relax
This may feel like the last thing you want to do. Splitting up assets and communicating with lawyers takes up valuable time, but setting aside an hour or two to do nothing can do wonders for mental clarity. You may want to indulge in a relaxing hobby like reading or doing a puzzle. For an added layer of relaxation, use Young Living Essential Oils in a diffuser. You can customize a mix of oils for different scents and benefits.
2. Embrace the Safe Space
This doesn’t mean you have to build a literal safe space, though you could definitely do that. Embracing a safe space means finding an area only for you, where you feel secure and can take time away when you need it. That doesn’t mean you should build a jail cell you can run away to and stay in, but knowing you can be alone and separate from your partner when you need to be is important. A safe space is doubly crucial if you and your partner are still living together and finding physical space apart is even more difficult. Sometimes just sitting in your car for a few minutes can make all the difference in the world.
3. Start a Journal
Journaling is a quick and inexpensive way to get your thoughts out and down on paper. You don’t have to process the emotions you experience right away, but acknowledging them by writing them down is an excellent start. This can serve as a place for thoughts you don’t feel comfortable exposing to others. By journaling, you can better work through problems, analyze your feelings in a more clear, concise manner, and work out solutions to disagreements. In addition to relaxing, journaling can be a priceless tool for reducing stress.
4. Treat Yourself
Treating yourself doesn’t have to cost much at all. Sometimes the smaller things can make a huge difference on a bad day. Take the time to watch an episode of your favorite TV show, or order food from your favorite restaurant. Even a bath with a few candles can make you feel like a new person. Divorce means not just separating from a partner, but also adjusting to being on your own. Adjusting to a new normal might make you feel lonely, but this period of solitude can be a gift. It can be a time for you to rediscover what you like, what your goals are, and what you want your life to look like moving forward.
5. Socialize
Going through a painful experience can make it easy to justify staying inside all day, but isolation can be damaging to your health in more ways than one. This is the time for you to lean on friends and family for support. They may not be professional counselors, but if you ask, they’ll likely be more than willing to come together as your support system. Embrace the opportunity to see a movie or go to dinner. You may not be a part of a couple anymore, but you’re still a valued member of your social circles. Chances are, at least one other person you know has also experienced a divorce and will be willing to discuss coping tactics with you.
6. Exercise
Exercise does wonders for mental and physical health. Plenty of people go to the gym or for a run to “blow off some steam,” which may be exactly what you need during a divorce. This is also a great opportunity for you to explore your neighborhood or city. You can try a new exercise class or join a new club you may not have considered before. Married life can make it difficult to nurture individual hobbies, so this is your chance to find something new or rekindle your love of old activities you have been neglecting.
Divorce is difficult, which is why it’s so important to take care of yourself throughout the process and follow the above tips for self-care. Some difficulties won’t go away just because the divorce is complete, which is why it’s crucial to build up these healthy habits as soon as possible. You may not be able to avoid every argument or negative emotion, but having the space and resources to process your feelings in a healthy way can make a huge difference.
Comments
Post a Comment