Self-Care Tips to Help You Recover After Divorce
For most people, divorce is an emotionally exhausting process. It marks a huge shift in your life, even though it may be the best thing for you and your family. If you’re dealing with a high-conflict spouse, the process can be that much more draining. Make sure to take care of your physical and mental health after your divorce. Below, we offer a few tips on taking care of yourself after a divorce. Call a compassionate New Jersey divorce lawyer for advice and assistance with a future or pending divorce.
Make Time for Activities You Enjoy
There’s a lot to take care of after your divorce. Figuring out your taxes, moving residences, getting new furniture, getting your name changed, etc. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the “important” things you need to do. Make sure to set aside time for activities you simply enjoy. Socialize with your friends, go for a hike, see a movie, or head to the beach; whatever makes you feel relaxed and happy. Taking some time for yourself is essential to preserving your mental health, allowing you to better take care of everything else in your life.
Pay Attention to Your Health: Good Eating and Exercise
It’s also easy to fall into very unhealthy habits during and after a divorce. Many people start eating exclusively fast food and losing the energy to exercise. While it’s fine to treat yourself sometimes, make sure you’re on top of your own healthy habits. Exercise makes us feel happier and less stressed out, and a healthy diet makes us feel better overall.
Rely on Your Support System
Divorce can feel incredibly lonely. Many people are hesitant to discuss their situation with others because they are embarrassed, shy, or do not want to be a burden. Your friends and family care about you, and they want to help! Find a trustworthy outlet to discuss your feelings and help you through the process, whether it’s a friend, a family member, a support group, a place of worship, or a therapist.
Be Compassionate With Yourself
Practicing self-compassion can be harder than it sounds. Many people beat themselves up after a divorce. Treat yourself with compassion, the same compassion you’d offer a friend. Understand that your experience is common and universal, work to keep a neutral and calm perspective on your situation, and be willing to forgive yourself where necessary. People who practice self-compassion find the process of moving past a divorce more palatable in the long run.
Be Social, Try Some New Hobbies
Divorce is a time for growth and change. Change can be good. Many people in difficult marriages find that they lose time and energy for a separate social life and pursuing their interests. You might also lose some mutual friends during the divorce. After your divorce, make an effort to cultivate your social ties. Reconnect with old friends, and make some new ones. Try new hobbies you’ve been curious about, or revisit old hobbies you lost during the marriage. Strong relationships promote quality of life, and the more you can enrich yourself as a separate person, the happier you’ll be after your divorce.
Call a Talented New Jersey Divorce Attorney for Advice and Representation
If you’re considering divorce or you need assistance with New Jersey family law issues involving equitable division of property, parental rights, alimony/spousal support, child custody, child support, or other family law matters in New Jersey, contact the seasoned and thorough Union family law attorney John B. D’Alessandro for a consultation.