Divorce consistently ranks among the top most stressful life events, along with a death of a loved one, major illness, and job loss. Making the decision to end a marriage often takes an emotional and physical toll. Between divorce mediation, legal meetings, and other changes, you may find yourself overwhelmed than ever.
However, there are always ways to mitigate stress and cope with your negative feelings. The process of divorce might be challenging, but it will be worth it in the end.
These tips can help you deal with stress and cope with your divorce.
It’s tempting to try to continue life as usual. However, avoiding your emotions can cause them to bottle up and explode unexpectedly.
Instead of denying your feelings, give yourself time to grieve your marriage and understand that those feelings will decrease over time.
Some experts say that dealing with divorce can look similar to the five stages of grief. You may go through the stages of:
Remember that at the end of the grieving process, acceptance will come, and so will emotional peace.
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to take time to do things you enjoy. Even if you are struggling to find joy in daily activities, taking the time to go through your hobbies and relax can rejuvenate you.
When you are under emotional stress, it can take a toll on your body. Make time for yourself with exercise, good food, and plenty of rest. Self-neglect will only worsen stress and make it harder to cope with.
Keeping your body in good condition has positive effects on your mental health and puts you in a position to cope well with stress and irritation.
When you begin your divorce, it’s tempting to rehash all the arguments and rocky patches of your relationship. You may have to see your spouse in mediation sessions, child custody handoffs, and several other situations.
However, spending precious time and emotional energy on the past will only reopen old wounds.
Avoid dwelling on frustrating issues from your marriage and focus on the divorce itself and the future you have waiting for you after it is finalized. Looking to the future will help you move beyond your divorce.
Whenever you feel frustrated and alone, remember all the people who want the best for you! Your friends and family can help you get through this challenging time with advice, company, and more.
It can be tempting to wallow in your feelings alone, but friends and family can provide some perspective even when you’re at your lowest.
Getting a divorce takes up a lot of time. Between legal appointments and work, you may not have a lot of time designated to kick back and relax. Savor the moments you do get by enjoying them alone at a spa.
Forget about the urge to be productive and instead let yourself sink into a bubble bath, drift into a nap, or simply meditate.
Even if you find it hard to relax at first, the simple act of sitting still and letting life pass by can prove to be calming.
When you are stressed from a divorce and other life changes, you may have the urge to make rash decisions. Instead of hurrying to jump into a new life, take the time to heal and sort through your feelings.
Making lots of major changes to your life, beyond the necessary ones, will only add to your stress and frustration.
Give yourself time to think so you can make thoughtful choices that will have a positive impact on your life.
If you are overwhelmed by stress or other negative emotions, counseling is a powerful tool that can help you deal with your feelings. A counselor is there for you to help you cope with your emotions and listen to your concerns.
There are counselors who specialize in both pre-divorce and post-divorce counseling, so you can find support no matter where you are in your divorce.
During the divorce, you may need to talk to your spouse or spend time in the same room together. Emotions are likely running high, and you may be tempted to start up an old argument or confront your spouse about past behavior.
However, arguments aren’t productive during a divorce. They can distract you from the task at hand, especially during a mediation session or other divorce proceedings. If you are paying for mediation or legal advice, make sure that you stay focused and make the most of those services!
Most people don’t expect to ever go through a divorce. You may be used to planning your life meticulously, in all aspects from your career to relationships.
During a divorce, though, you lose much of that control. Your ex-spouse may behave in a way you find confusing, and you may need to make a lot of changes to your life in a short period of time.
Facing the changes can be healthy and challenge your sensibilities.
A positive attitude goes a long way. Think of all the positive changes that you hope to enjoy in your life after your divorce. The list can include simple pleasures like a delicious meal or finding a new friendship.
Divorce can cause a lot of stress, but make sure to keep an open mind about the future and what it holds. Find things to look forward to, like a day trip or a visit from family members.
Divorce Mediation of California is a divorce mediation service that is with you every step of the way. We provide mediation, paperwork services, and can even draft your divorce settlement agreement.
With our divorce mediation services, Santa Ana couples can time and stress by letting us handle their divorce for a flat fee. We serve clients in Orange County, California/
To set up a free consultation with our divorce mediator in Orange County, contact us at the Divorce Mediation of California today!
