9 Inexpensive Self-Care Tips for During Divorce
Be compassionate to yourself and try to silence your inner critic. Even if you fall short of your own expectations, give yourself credit for trying.
No matter how necessary it may be and how it benefits you in the long run, divorce is a traumatic loss. Your body, mind, and soul react to it the same way that they would to any other trauma. This makes self-care to look after your general well-being during divorce absolutely essential.
During a divorce, it is important to take care of your finances and curb extravagant spending. Many people think of self-care in terms of shopping or spa trips.
However, it is possible to practice self-care by spending very little money.
9 Inexpensive Self-Care Tips for During Divorce
Seek the Help You Need
Sometimes you need the help of a professional to process everything that is happening to you during your divorce. This may mean consulting a counselor or an ADHD doctor online, perhaps even your primary care physician who can treat you if possible or refer you to someone else if necessary. Another way that you can find help is to join a support group. This allows you to talk about your struggles with people who are going through the same thing. Not only that, but by participating, you can provide help to others, which is a good way to raise your spirits and boost your self-esteem.
Get Exercise
Improving your physical health is also good for your mental and emotional health. Exercises such as swimming, running, or cycling, help to promote mental clarity and better sleep. Part of the reason is the release of endorphins, a type of chemical in the brain that works the same way as narcotics to improve mood and promote relaxation, but without the harmful effects. Choose an activity that you enjoy or that you can work into your busy schedule, e.g. dancing or walking up and down the stairs.
Spend Time With a Pet
When you start to doubt yourself, the unconditional love and trust of a pet can be restorative. Take your dog for a long walk or a trip to the dog park, arrange a special treat for your cat, or just set aside some time for an extended cuddle session.
Try a Journaling Exercise
Freewriting is an exercise in which you let your thoughts and feelings flow through your hand and onto the page without censoring yourself and without judging what you’ve written. Do this for at least five minutes every day. Getting your feelings out on paper makes them feel less overwhelming.
Explore a New Interest
If there is something that you’ve always wanted to do, your divorce may give you the opportunity to try it. Occupying your hands and your head with learning something new helps to distract you from problems related to your divorce, at least for a while.
Take a Hot Bath
The stress of divorce can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate existing pain. The warmth of the water helps relax your muscles and encourages blood flow for tension relief and healing.
Find a Creative Outlet
Creative pursuits give you a socially acceptable forum in which to express your emotions. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy that requires an audience. Singing in the shower or coloring in an adult coloring book are creative outlets that you do primarily for yourself.
Cut Down on Social Media
Using social media during a divorce can be a bad idea for several reasons. For one thing, things you post may wind up as evidence in court. Even if you don’t post but just scroll, seeing happy posts by friends and acquaintances may cause you to compare yourself unfairly to them. At the very least, avoid social media completely for at least three hours before going to bed.
Do Something To Help Others
Focusing on someone’s problems other than your own can help you keep things in perspective. Look for opportunities to volunteer in your community that make the most of your unique talents.
Be compassionate to yourself and try to silence your inner critic. Even if you fall short of your own expectations, give yourself credit for trying.
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