Divorce. This is a cruel word right up there with taxes and death. Divorce conjures up feelings of pain and misery, heartache and stress. Whereas more than 90 percent of Americans are going to marry by the age of 50, at least 40-50 percent of marriages, according to a study by the American Psychological Association, is going to end up in divorce. Perhaps you are one of those statistics, and you may painfully confirm the experience of those who have undergone through it-divorce hurts.
However painful it is, divorce should not be solely viewed as an ending in itself, but also as the chance for a new beginning. Change, after all, is synonymous with opportunity. However, still, divorce is the most challenging experience you might be faced with in your life. You should make no mistake here: divorce is full of trauma, and your mind and body are going to require time plus attention to heal. Considering that, the following are 5 tips to staying healthy during a divorce.
- Reach out for help
Among the most common, and fatal mistakes, people make during a divorce is trying to handle on their own everything. Men are particularly prone to this mistake.
There are several reasons as to why this happens to men. Some of them are to do with societal norms. It is natural for men to try internalizing their emotions, and putting on a facade of stability and strength, even though inside they are being silently destroyed.
It’s a fact that emotional turmoil is usually considered and cited as the most unexpectedly difficult component of divorce. When you begin feeling overwhelmed, it’s crucial that you immediately reach out for help.
Here, therapists and counselors are going to play a major part in assisting you to reconcile with this. Also, there are various online forums and divorce support groups which may provide you the needed support. When you are a spiritual person, then you can count on your pastor for a shoulder you can lean on during this difficult period.
This is not the time to go around, talking about your problems with anybody with an ear to hear. No. You should instead develop some tight circle of family and friends you trust, and you can vent to.
- Take time for self-reflection
Whereas you should not just be sitting around and dwelling on why your marriage ended, or the reasons why you are where you are at the present, this should present you with an opportunity for self-reflection.
Among the ways, psychologists advise handling divorce stress is the practice of mindful meditation.
Taking some quiet few minutes every day to come to terms with your emotions and experience is some healthy practice which may assist you to reconcile with what you are presently going through.
- Keep off self-destructive habits
There are several unhealthy habits people usually develop during divorce which may inhibit their recovery process. For instance, it is common for men to try numbing their pain with alcohol, or other drugs. There are others who will try to forget about their ex by jumping immediately into some rebound relationship.
Note that these are just temporary fixes at best, and certainly will almost make things eventually much worse for you.
- Exercise & eat healthily
It is normal for people to kind of let themselves go immediately their marriage ends. Probably you are going through some uncertain stretch where you just want to sit down on the couch with some Netflix and pizza.
You should not do that. Good exercise and a balanced diet enhance the amount of your brain’s healthy chemicals. This is among the most effectual means of combating depression.
Furthermore, it may also help you sleep better as well as improve your self-esteem.
It is not simple. However, you should establish a routine. In this regard, you should schedule each day a set of time for some daily exercise. To receive the nutrients you need, you should plan out your meals. Do whatever it is in your power to get enough sleep.
- Time to reinvent yourself
When you have been trapped in a relationship, it’s usual to imitate or take on the characteristics of your partner. One positive part concerning divorce is that you’re entirely free now to be the person you want to be.
You may use this opportunity to reinvent yourself. Yes, engage yourself in a new hobby. You can as well take a trip somewhere. Purchase some new attires. This is the time to do whatever you fancy, without any influence or inhibition whatsoever.
References:
http://www.sterlinglawyers.com/wisconsin/divorce/collaborative/
https://www.jacobsberger.com/staying-healthy-during-divorce/
http://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/8-surprising-ways-divorce-affects-your-health
