The Importance of Self-Care During Divorce

 Posted on February 01, 2017 in Divorce

Numerous studies over time have revealed overwhelming findings about the effects divorce can have on spouses and their children, ranging from mental distress to more serious long-term physical damage that is sometimes triggered by such prolonged emotional fatigue. The divorce process causes an array of emotions to surface, often stirring up a storm of confused, conflicting feelings for everyone involved.

The Role of Self-Care in Coping

The American Psychological Association reminds separating couples to pay attention to basic self-care as they go through the divorce process. The better you care for yourself throughout an  emotionally draining transition, such as separation, the better you are able to cope and help others cope as you all work through the change.

The APA recommends spouses take the following actions to promote a healthy divorce experience:

Maintain an Active Support System - A huge part of being able to adjust to divorce in a balanced way is making sure you are seeking out and maintaining an active support system. Whether you turn to formal support groups recommended by your therapist or lean on close, trusted family and friends for comfort, cultivating a support system, knowing when to reach out, and remaining engaged with that network is very helpful when you are experiencing the end of a marriage.

Channel Energy into Your Passions - The APA also says that turning to your passions while you are adjusting to your divorce can make a big difference in how well you fare as you wade through the transition. Pursuing activities that you enjoyed before your divorce, and even before your marriage, can help you remain positive about the future and acts as a natural component in creating a well-balanced sense of self.

Focus on the Physical - Physical and mental health are often very closely tied together, which is why the emotional toll of divorce can wreak such havoc on your general well-being. The APA reminds divorcing spouses to eat healthy and to exercise on a regular basis. Doing so will help with basic weight management, and even more importantly, will help alleviate the ongoing stress levels that typically accompany the divorce process.

Coming to terms with the end of your marriage may be one of the most difficult experiences you go through, but with the right resources, a solid support network, and a qualified, knowledgeable Elmhurst, IL divorce attorney by your side, you can protect your rights and decrease your stress along the way. Call Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC today at 312-605-4041 for a personal consultation.

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