3 Tips for Making Sure Divorce Stress Does Not Get the Best of You

 Posted on April 02, 2020 in Family Law

Whether you find yourself in the early stages of the divorce process, have just recently made the mutual decision with your spouse to end your marriage, or are in the middle of litigation proceedings, divorce-related stress can be all-consuming. The difficult decision to say goodbye to your marriage can quickly take a toll on you emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Familiarizing yourself with healthy, constructive coping skills is crucial to manage divorce stress and keep it from negatively affecting your health in both the short and long term.

Key Coping Skills for Managing Stress

Even couples who divorce amicably and civilly must work at balancing the emotional effects of such a big life change. Keep the following tips in mind to better cope with common divorce anxieties:

1. Put yourself first - Chances are, you have heard self-help experts stress the value and importance of self-care during times of major life changes, including divorce. These recommendations exist for a reason — they work. Mental health experts remind us that maintaining our routines as much as possible is actually a part of self-care, particularly when it comes to maintaining daily exercise, sleep patterns, or lunch dates with friends. Another way to make self-care a priority is to give yourself permission to take breaks, invest your time and energy in activities that bring you joy, and share your time with others, such as involving yourself in a volunteer effort.

2. Recognize your limitations - An important part of taking care of yourself involves knowing your limitations. Understanding what you have control over and what you do not can help you tremendously when you are struggling to cope with your divorce. Remember that you are human and that it is normal to have bad days. You may not be as productive one day as you are the next. Some days, you will feel more fragile and vulnerable than others. Set goals and be proactive in your strategies to move forward with life, but avoid pushing yourself on days when your mind and body need to rest. Allowing yourself to rest will encourage healing and recovery.

3. Be resourceful - At every stage of the divorce process, it can be difficult to focus or find the motivation to try new things. It is okay and perfectly normal to not feel well during such a life-changing transition. However, it is helpful to remember that drawing upon your resources when you are feeling low can be incredibly empowering, and it can inspire you to look forward to new chapters in life. Best of all, it can lessen your anxiety. Gather a list of your current friends and acquaintances and create a phone or email contact list so you have a network of people you can reach out to when you need support. Consider therapy or a local support group, and plan outings or road trips with your closest friends. Utilize your support network and make the best of the time you have together. Try to learn to enjoy the time you have alone, as it may be a long time before you have another opportunity like this one to reflect and re-evaluate your life goals and priorities.

Contact Our St. Charles Divorce Lawyers

Giving yourself time to recover, engaging in activities you enjoy, and reaching out for help are the cornerstones of stress management throughout the divorce process. Let a knowledgeable, competent Bloomingdale divorce attorney handle the legal matters while you take the time you need to care for yourself and heal. Speak with our skilled attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices by calling 630-932-9100, and allow us to schedule you a one-on-one personal consultation.