5 Ways to Practice Self Care After a Divorce

By Paisley Hansen Updated: April 28, 2022Categories: Coping with Divorce, Life After Divorce

Going through a divorce can be a drain on your mental health. Whether it was amicable or hostile, you just ended a partnership that you intended to last. If you’re going through a divorce, it’s crucial to practice self care to protect your mental wellbeing. In the middle of a stressful situation, it can be difficult to know what to do to take care of yourself. The following ideas will help you stay mentally healthy once the papers are signed. 

1. Seek Out Therapy

Perhaps the best thing you can do to take care of yourself after a divorce is seek out therapy. Whether you feel mentally healthy or not, therapy is a great way to talk through the circumstances surrounding the termination of your marriage. Because there are many overwhelming feelings surrounding a breakup, speaking with a licensed counselor or therapist can help you healthily work through them. Whether you seek out long-term therapy or just a few sessions, finding a therapist is a great way to practice self care after your divorce.

 

2. Prioritize Your Health

It’s also essential to prioritize your health after your split. If you’re like most people, it’s hard to focus on things like nutrition and exercise when you’re stressed. During and after the divorce proceedings, make your physical healtha priority. Adding things like green superfood powder or an evening walk to your routine can quickly boost your overall health. By managing your physical health, you can gently improve your mental health. Whether you need to get more rest or start working out, focusing on your physical health is a vital aspect of self care. 

3. Find a Support System

Part of self care during a divorce is having a healthy support system. While it can be easy to throw yourself into work or shut yourself off, communicating with your trusted loved ones is essential. If you feel comfortable, share your feelings with friends or family members. Having the space to communicate your emotions without fear of judgment will release a huge weight off your shoulders and help you heal after your divorce. This communication doesn’t have to be in an awkward setting, rather it can be over something fun like dinner or coffee! 

4. Set Healthy Boundaries

Another form of self care to practice during your divorce is setting boundaries. While this doesn’t seem like it would help with self care, it’s essential to maintaining your mental health. Setting healthy boundaries with your ex-spouse, family, and friends will protect you from unwanted questions or attention. While it’s not ethical to stonewall legal proceedings in the name of “setting a boundary,” you aren’t obligated to entertain anyone’s selfish questions about your life after the divorce. By setting healthy boundaries, you can build the kind of life you need after the dust settles from the divorce. 

5. Create a New Hobby

Finally, your self care routine  should include doing something you enjoy. Part of maintaining mental well-being is curating happiness, so don’t be afraid to pick up a new hobby after your divorce. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, now’s your chance. Take that trip, pick up painting, start a garage band, or call up that high school friend. No matter what you enjoy doing, getting back to your interests is crucial after a divorce. Don’t let the stress of the legal proceedings keep you from doing what makes you happy. If you want to practice self care and protect your mental health, you should get back to doing what you love. 

 

Final Thoughts

To sum things up, practicing self care is essential after a divorce. No matter how things ended with your spouse, make sure you take time to care for yourself.