Moving Forward Positively: Dealing With The Stress Of Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events people face. Below are a few suggestions for things you can do to mitigate this stress and move forward positively in this new chapter of your life.
1. Stay (or get) active: Exercise provides many benefits for mental health; it can relieve stress, improve sleep, provide distraction, and release endorphins. You don’t need to start running marathons, but moving your body – taking a walk, riding a bike, practicing yoga – will improve your mood, your fitness, and your general well-being.
2. Make use of your support network: People have relationship needs and divorce severs one of the primary relationships that many of us have. Humans are social creatures and isolating yourself can have negative effects. Connecting with family and friends helps fulfill relationship needs in a positive way. Certainly, you can ask for assistance dealing with issues when needed, but you may also find that it is often enough simply to spend quality time with people you care about.
3. Find a new activity: Engaging in a new activity can provide enjoyment, serve as a way to meet new people, and allow you to get your mind off of worries for a while. Join a book club, learn to dance, take a cooking class: the possibilities are legion. Websites such as meetup.com provide a good starting point for getting involved in all kinds of activities. Community education classes offer another great option.
4. Find a change of scenery: Sometimes, just getting away from your current environment for a while can help you recharge and boost your outlook. Although a month-long European vacation would be great, it may not be realistic. If you can, simply getting out of town for a day or two can work wonders.
5. Reassess your goals: Divorce provides an opportunity to reassess what you want out of life. This doesn’t mean you need to jettison all of your former objectives and aspirations – perhaps there will be little, if any, change – but it does give you a chance to re-examine your ambitions. Obviously, having minor children limits your options, but you no longer need to conform your wishes to the wants or needs of your ex-spouse.
6. Seek help if needed: Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may need professional help. It is important to regularly and realistically assess your emotional and mental state and to seek out the help of a therapist when needed.
For assistance with divorce or other family law matters, call Kruse Family Law at 612.231.9865 or email corwin@krusefamilylaw.com.
