Making the difficult decision to end a marriage may come as a relief, but the process itself is a major transition that can be extremely stressful. With all the change taking place, it is hard to remember to tend to yourself, but this is exactly why it is important to be more mindful and proactive about your health. Here are some health considerations for people going through a divorce.
Create New Healthy Routines
Divorce disrupts the status quo, which means that healthy habits can go out the window amidst the chaos of change. Daily routines of diet, exercise, sleep, and other forms of self-care need to be adapted to the transitional phase of divorce, with an eye toward establishing healthy habits in the new normal following divorce. Take the time to catalog the ways in which your self-care may be interrupted by all the changes in your life and strategize how to reincorporate healthy habits.
Get the Support You Need
Self-care does not need to be done alone. Going through a divorce consumes time, energy, and focus, so it can be hard to find time to maintain relationships when these connections can be critical to your emotional well-being. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who understand your needs and can be there for you in a way that helps you through this tough time. Also, consider getting professional support from a therapist with specific divorce experience. Therapy can help you to process your feelings and make healthy choices as you transition to a new life.
Don’t Forget Diet and Exercise
Handling the stress of divorce makes it tempting to ignore the needs of your body as you focus on the mental and emotional challenges. However, mental and emotional health also benefit from a healthy lifestyle. Exercise need not be excessive. Whether going for a walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym, find activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine. When it comes to diet, fuel your body with nutritious foods that support your physical and emotional health. Limiting processed foods, sugar, and caffeine can also help stabilize your mood and energy levels. Finally, make sure to be careful about your consumption of altering substances like alcohol.
Self-Care Includes Self-Compassion
The end of a marriage can bring on a range of feelings. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions during this period. Allow yourself to rage, grieve, and heal at your own pace. Also, consider carving out space to process your emotions by engaging in mindfulness or spending time in nature. Instead of punishing yourself for “failure,” use this time to rediscover yourself and explore your interests and passions. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, whether pursuing a hobby, taking up a new skill, or traveling.
Set Boundaries
Establish healthy boundaries with your ex-partner to protect your emotional well-being. This may include limiting communication to necessary matters and avoiding triggering or harmful interactions. If necessary, consider channeling all of your communications through your attorney until some healthy parameters are set for your future interactions.