Divorce stress is real, even if you are technically happy about the divorce. Maybe you even filed for divorce, so the whole thing is your doing.
Don’t assume that means the process won’t be stressful. This is still a huge life change and a complex legal process. To keep the stress from feeling overwhelming, here are a few tips:
- Think about emotional needs. Don’t just “tough it out” or try to swallow your feelings. Talk to people. Friends and family can help, as can a therapist.
- Do things that you love. Don’t just sit around thinking about the divorce. Maybe there’s a hike you always wanted to go on. Maybe you just love putting your feet up and reading a good book. Embrace these things to reduce stress.
- Stay in shape. People often stop working out because they’re busy, but exercise is a great way to burn off some of that energy.
- Remember that you can’t control everything. You can’t make your soon-to-be ex do what you want him or her to do. You can’t force the court to rule the way you want. Understand what you can do to work toward a positive outcome, but also remember that you may have to accept some things.
- Take time with your decisions. Don’t make emotional choices, which could turn out to be mistakes and make you feel more stressed down the line. Think about your options and weigh them carefully.
As you do all of this, make sure you take the time to really understand the legal process. The better your grasp, the more comfortable and stress-free you’ll feel.
Source: Live About, “9 Tips For Dealing With Divorce Stress,” Cathy Meyer, accessed Dec. 01, 2017