divorced man relaxing by the lake

7 Ways to Practice Self-Care While Going Through a Divorce

Going through a divorce is never easy. For many people, it can be one of the most stressful experiences of their life. You are watching an end to your family and the dreams you had when you first got married. This is why it is important to prioritize your mental and physical health when going through the divorce process. While your family law attorney can use his or her expertise to provide guidance on issues of family law, most divorce attorneys are not skilled at providing the necessary emotional support you may need during this difficult time. This is why you should consider each of these seven self-care-related tips to get you through your divorce without losing your mind.

1. Get plenty of sleep

One of the keys to keeping a good state of mind is making sure to get enough sleep each night. You would think this is self-evident, but you would be surprised to know how many of our clients complain that they aren’t getting enough sleep. They get into bed each night and then the movie starts playing all the moments that went wrong in their marriage. You need to turn off the movie, accept what has happened, and get a good night’s sleep.

2. Exercise

Regular exercise is not just a great way to lose weight and build muscle, it also can improve your mood. Whether you run, do martial arts, or lift weights at the local gym, regularly exercising boosts endorphin production which makes your mood improve. It also reduces stress, which can lead to inflammation and disease. Best of all, if you work out enough, you’ll also look better than ever, which will help you feel better about yourself.

3. Set a daily schedule

Getting into a routine can also improve your mood. Humans are creatures of habit, and when we work, sleep, eat, exercise, and rest on a regular schedule, our bodies begin to get in sync with our tasks. We also can spend more time doing things, and less time fretting about things in the past that we cannot change.

4. Spend time with close friends and family

Many people don’t want to feel like they are being a burden. But the time to see just how close we are to the people we love is when we are going through a divorce. Sure, you may feel a little weird opening up about your private life to others, however, you may be surprised to find that many of your closest friends and relatives are willing to listen to you. If they’re like most folks, they’ve also gone through relationship problems and divorces. Not only can they be a good shoulder to cry on, they can also provide you with some helpful advice about your life.

5. Keep a journal

Writing is a great way to get all of your feelings out of you. Right now, you are probably a mass of emotions, feeling anger and regret over what led to your divorce. One way to handle this is to keep a journal of what you are going through. This will help you get your feelings together, even ones you didn’t realize you were having. Once you have these down on paper, you may find that you can release the stress of the situation, and even forgive yourself if you are blaming yourself in part for what happened to your marriage.

6. Meditation and yoga

A big part of meditation and yoga is controlled breathing. You focus on each breath you are taking while clearing your mind of all thoughts. This focus will relax you, reduce your stress levels, and increase your inner calm.

7. Eat well-balanced meals

Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand when it comes to physical health. If you work on meal planning, you can increase your restfulness and feel energized. It all comes down to eating right. Try to focus on nutrient-rich foods, while reducing your consumption of sugar, fats, caffeine, and alcohol. You shouldn’t eliminate these altogether, as an occasional treat is a fun way to reward yourself for putting your life back together.

Our Lawyers Help You Help Yourself Through Through Your Divorce

Cohen Family Law PLLC is different from most divorce attorneys here in Arizona. We don’t just represent you in your family law matter to get you the best result. We also will work with you to practice self-care so that you can come through the divorce process feeling better than you have before. Call us if you are ready to work with family lawyers who can make a difference in your life.