How to Take Care of Your Mental Health During a Divorce

“Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise.” — Victor Hugo

Even when divorce is the healthiest solution, the process of obtaining a divorce, navigating life after divorce, and coming to terms with the loss of a future planned in happier times can be daunting. Research has shown that divorce is correlated with more frequent hospitalizations, greater substance use, and higher suicide rates. The authors of the study “When Love Hurts” noted that “divorcees report poorer physical and mental health and more symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation than the general population.”

The research, however, is not all discouraging. Mental health experts have identified steps you can take to protect yourself during a divorce.

Self-Care and Mindfulness During a Divorce

Self-care is the deliberate actions you take for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. In other words, self-care involves the health-seeking behaviors that help protect your emotional resilience during a divorce. With everything else going on in your life, it can be hard to know where to start. The National Institute of Mental Health identifies nine types of self-care that can make a meaningful difference in your mental and physical health.

Get regular exercise. Do not stress about finding time for a long workout. Finding time to take several five-minute walks a day counts towards your daily exercise goals. What matters most is making a commitment to regular physical activity.

Eat healthy, regular meals, and stay hydrated. Eating well does not have to be time-consuming or break the bank. Johns Hopkins Medicine’s tips for healthy eating for the busy individual include manageable solutions like starting your meal with a salad or broth-based soup, opting for the grilled entree, skipping cream-based and cheese sauces, and splitting restaurant portions in half. Home meal kits are also an excellent way to enjoy a healthy, low-stress meal at home.

Make sleep a priority. Finding time for sleep can be challenging, especially if you are balancing being a single parent and helping your children adjust to life after divorce. Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep per 24-hour period. The stress of a divorce may cause sleep to evade you, but you can improve sleep by following these five tips for better sleep from the National Health Service:

1. maintain a consistent sleep routine
2. Practice meditation before bedtime
3. Try mindfulness before sleep
4. Create the perfect sleep environment
5. Avoid forcing yourself to fall asleep

Try a relaxing activity. Meditation, yoga, and warm baths are all great activities to relax and unwind. Journaling, creative writing, crafting, reading, listening to music, experimenting with new recipes, or exploring podcasts are also effective ways to quiet the mind. The goal is to find an activity that quiets your mind.

Set goals and priorities. Achieving goals that you set for yourself can improve your self-esteem and restore a sense of control. Your goals do not need to be large. Consider tracking daily tasks you already manage to remind yourself of your accomplishments. Adding small, achievable goals can help build momentum and confidence.

Practice gratitude. While it may feel unnatural during a difficult time, studies show that weekly recording of what you are grateful for results in increased exercise, healthier eating habits, and improved sleep.

Focus on positivity. During a divorce, life can feel like the glass is half-empty. Learning to shift negative thinking into positive thinking can significantly improve your physical and mental health.

Stay connected. Shockingly, social isolation is viewed by healthcare providers as a greater risk factor than smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity. Thus staying connected to others is of vital importance during and after a divorce. Schedule a standing phone call, video chat, or meetup. Start or restart a hobby. Learn something new. Explore library and community center activities. Volunteer.

Contact Brinkley Law Firm for Your Consultation Today

If you are considering divorce or need help navigating post-divorce custody issues, Brinkley Law Firm, LLC can guide you through the process. As experienced Charleston family law attorneys with a strong track record of helping families navigate difficult situations, we understand the emotional and legal complexities of post-divorce parenting. Our team is committed to a holistic approach to helping you find a solution that works best for your family while protecting your rights and helping you manage your stress.

Contact Brinkley Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in creating a plan that meets your needs. Together, we can help you through this challenging time and build a brighter future for your family.