Self-Care and Divorce

Of all the challenges that come with a divorce, the biggest usually proves to be taking care of your self both mentally and physically.  A divorce or dissolution of marriage is one of the most overwhelming, stressful and anxiety bearing events a person can go through in their lifetime. The decisions you have to make while enduring a divorce are constant and beyond nerve-wracking. All of this emotional pressure will often have a negative impact on your physical health and mental wellness. Here at Filippakos Law, we understand the effects this can have on both your personal and professional happiness. Below we have listed some helpful tips to help improve such a trying situation.

1.      “Where am I going to live”? Of all the questions that have to be answered, this is often one of the first. For most, this newfound independence is met with a bear trap, settling for a new home too quickly and sacrificing long term happiness. The urge to remove yourself from the tense or toxic household of a deteriorated marriage can often outweigh your best judgement. It is important to remember this when the time comes and select your new home based on long term redeeming qualities. If you are the person who will continue to live in the marital home, now is the time to make it your own.   Some ideas are to arrange the furniture as you’ve always desired, declutter the home, or change the wall colors. Whatever it is you decide to do, now is your chance to make it a place of peace and positivity.

2.      Seek out a mental health provider. In modern times the stigma of reaching out to a professional for mental wellness has all but faded away. We are all humans, and times of extraordinary sadness or anger are much easier to unpack and overcome with the help of a mental health professional. If the resources for a provider are unavailable, surround yourself with loved ones, be it family or friends. Those who truly have your best interests at heart are the ones who can help you stay on a positive path and not give in to negative thoughts or reactions. 

3.      Last but absolutely not least is your physical health. High levels of stress and anxiety have proven to discourage exercise and proper eating habits.  Not already on a regular exercise program? No problem! Join a local sports league, or possibly a gym. Not only are these great ways to help maintain your physical health, but also to meet new people and begin your new life. If you find that you aren’t sleeping well, fluctuating in weight, having a hard time focusing or experiencing any other physical effects of stress and anxiety, contact your primary care physician let them know what you are going through, so they can help build a solid plan to keep you feeling your best.