Whether it was completely unexpected, or a long time in the making, going through a divorce can be an extremely stressful and emotional experience.
We know every situation is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to ease the stress of divorce but there are things you can try to help get you through it. The following expert tips might be just what you need.
1. Don’t Fight Your Emotions
Your marriage is ending, and naturally, you’ll have an array of emotions to deal with. It can be tempting to fight them, but suppressing emotions can lead to even bigger issues to deal with down the road.
Our brains process the end of a relationship in ways very similar to processing the death of a loved one. Going through the stages of grief in mourning your relationship will help you heal and move on.
2. Spend Time with Friends and Family
Feeling alone and isolated only makes things worse. Now is a great time to connect with friends and family. Surrounding yourself with people who love and support you can make a world of difference.
3. Explore Therapy Options
There are many different types of therapy available to help cope with divorce. A good therapist will give you effective tools to help you process and work through it.
You may benefit from individual counseling, or you might find a local divorce support group to be a better fit for you. Keep in mind, divorce affects the whole family, so if you have children consider therapy for them as well.
4. Hire a Good Lawyer
No matter how easy you think your divorce will be or how respectful you think your soon-to-be-ex will be, it never hurts to be prepared. Divorce can quickly become more complicated than you expected and attitudes can change in an instant. By hiring a good divorce lawyer, you can ensure your divorce settlement will be fair and that your partner won’t take advantage of you.
5. Pick up a Physical Activity
Picking up an activity such as running, yoga, or another sport can do wonders for relieving stress and taking your mind off of things. Also, if you have pent up energy and emotions this is a healthy way for you to let it all out.
6. Avoid Self-Medicating
It can be tempting to escape from reality and numb yourself with drugs or alcohol, but that can be harmful and self-destructive. An occasional night out is perfectly fine, just don’t make a habit of using alcohol or drugs to avoid reality or mask your feelings.
If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or having difficulty sleeping please contact a doctor to talk about safer alternatives to self-medicating.
7. Try New Things
A divorce means the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. Now is the perfect opportunity to push your boundaries and try things you never would’ve before, such as taking a dance class, skydiving, or traveling!
8. Take Care of Yourself
It’s not uncommon for depression and stress to take over your life during a divorce. Implementing healthy self-care routines will help you look and feel your best. Make sure you’re sleeping properly, eating healthy, practicing good hygiene, being physically active and being mindful of your mental health.
You’ve Got This!
Dealing with divorce can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Try some of the tips above and don’t be afraid to ask for help. With the help of your personal support system and an excellent attorney your divorce will soon be a thing of your past.
Get Help with Your Divorce Today
Are you dealing with a difficult divorce and looking for an experienced divorce attorney in Maryland? The dedicated team at Blattner Family Law Group will work toward achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family. Call us at 410-324-6000 for a FREE consultation.