Preserving Your Emotional Well-Being During a Divorce

For couples going through a divorce, there is often much emphasis placed on what both spouses can do to provide emotional support for their children. While it is absolutely important to ensure that your kids’ mental and emotional needs are being met and that they are coping with the big life changes they are facing, it’s just as important to acknowledge that you are also going through a tough time that requires a little extra self-care.

 

Here are some ways you can take care of your emotional well-being during a divorce:

 

Allow yourself to grieve. It is important to allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with divorce, such as sadness, anger, and loneliness. Bottling up your emotions will only make it harder to heal. Give yourself permission to grieve the end of your marriage by expressing your emotions in a journal to help you process the complex feelings you may be experiencing. 

 

Talk to someone you trust. Divorce is a major life change, and can affect just about every aspect of your life. Why go through it alone? Talking to a friend, family member, therapist, or religious leader can help you to process your emotions and get support.

 

Take care of your physical health. In the face of traumatic events, we often forget to do the things our bodies need to keep us going strong when we need it the most. Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising can help you to feel better both physically and emotionally.

 

Do things that make you happy. What’s something you absolutely love to do that always puts a smile on your face? Making time for activities that you enjoy, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or volunteering, can give you a mood boost and take you out of your head for a while. 

 

Seek professional help if you need it. If you are struggling to cope with your divorce, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to understand your emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and move on with your life.

 

Skip the courtroom battle. Working with a Denver divorce mediator can help simplify your divorce without any of the traumatic courtroom drama that can cause even more stress and emotional strain. If you and your soon-to-be former spouse are able to cooperate at the mediation table, you can both save a lot of time, money and stress on finalizing your divorce.

 

Divorce is a difficult time, but it is important to remember that you will get through it. By taking care of your emotional well-being, you can start to heal so you can come out stronger on the other side. Keep in mind that you are not alone—with time, support, and self-care, you will get through this.