Whether your divorce is amicable or not, you’re young or old, have kids or not, divorce is a gut wrenching and emotionally fraught experience that can undermine even the most centered, relaxed and stable individuals. In order to navigate successfully through this stressful experience, you must make certain that you engage in consistent and intentional “self-care”.
By doing the following 5 simple things, you can boost your spirits and maintain positivity in your life:
Stay busy (but not too busy)
There’s nothing worse than sitting home by yourself continually reflecting on what went wrong with your marriage and then second guessing your actions. The only thing worse is over scheduling yourself to the point of exhaustion. Aim for a happy medium and you’ll find yourself feeling fulfilled without being bone weary.
Exercise (even if you don’t like it)
Not everyone is a devotee of exercise but it’s been proven that exercise helps to release endorphins that can make you feel happier. Of course, the added benefit is that you’ll also get into better shape too. Select the type of exercise that you like to do (which will ensure that you actually do it on a consistent basis) and get moving.
Reach out to friends and family
A feeling of loneliness is often associated with divorce and to help stave off this feeling of isolation, it is important to stay in contact and reach out to friends and family. The knowledge that you have loved ones to turn to when things get tough is comforting and an important confidence builder too. And remember – while it important to have a support structure, you don’t need to share every intimate detail of the divorce with them.
Establish new goals or reclaim some old ones that you previously discarded
This is a good time to think about the goals you might have set for yourself, but were cast to the side when you were married. It’s equally appropriate to think about setting new goals; just be realistic about your time, stamina and priorities.
Organize and declutter.
(Out with the old, in with the new was never so true)
Divorce is messy and presents a perfect time for you to get rid of unwanted reminders of your previous life and start to fill your home and your life with carefully curated objects that mean something to you.
Remember that you are ultimately responsible for yourself, and for some, that might be extremely unnerving. Move slowly and keep in mind that with time and self-care you will emerge happier and at peace with your life.
