Tips For Getting Through a Divorce

Divorce is an extremely difficult experience for many people. It is believed that only the death of a spouse is more emotionally stressful than divorce. Feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression are commonly associated with divorce, and a study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior claims that divorced people are 20% more likely to suffer from chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, than people in marriages or relationships.

That being said, although divorce is one of life’s most difficult experiences, there several ways you can work towards decreasing your chances of experiencing depression following a divorce. Here are some helpful tips to follow:

• Do something you love that distracts you from the sadness or anger you may be feeling. Lose yourself in a good book, knit a scarf, go on a run, do yoga, do anything that will get your mind off the divorce for a little while and allow you to focus your attention on something else.
• Change up your routine. If you were a stay-at-home mom, get a part-time job. If you have a job, volunteer your time at community organization. Start up a new exercise routine, pick up a new hobby, do anything that allows you to get out of your head for a while and put you in contact with fresh faces and new surroundings.
• Plan something: plan a party, plan a shopping trip, plan a lunch date with friends, plan a hair appointment, plan a day to learn a new hobby or craft, etc. Roberta Temes, a psychotherapist, says that planning is therapeutic following a divorce.
• Clean out your house and throw away anything that reminds you of your ex-spouse. Not only is this therapeutic, but it is also a great way to make space for the new things in your life.
• Preserve your energy. One author writes that the energy it takes to endure the withdrawal of a relationship is equal to working a full-time job. Make sure you get plenty of physical and mental rest on a regular basis.
• Take the high road and be the bigger person. Sure you may hate your ex but ask yourself whether it’s really worth it to seek revenge. Sometimes it’s best to take the high road and be cordial then indulging in revenge and then havimg to deal with a long, hard divorce battle.

If you have recently gone through a divorce, and are feeling a sad or depressed, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed. Divorce is a painful thing for many people, and everyone copes differently. Although we are not licensed therapists, we can help you find someone who can help you cope with your feelings and emotions so you can work through this difficult time and move forward with your life.

To speak with a Riverside divorce attorney, contact the Law Office of Michael R. Young today at (866) 902-5290.