Going through a divorce can be emotionally challenging. The entire process can trigger a variety of unsettling emotions that can leave you feeling helpless, anxious, and constantly stressed. To ensure you deal with divorce stress productively and prevent it from consuming your life during this challenging period, this article is for you.
Understanding the Emotional Turmoil
The process of divorce can be a long and arduous journey. It is essential to understand that all your emotions are valid, however intense, and labeling them as right or wrong is inefficient and counter-productive.
Some of the emotional reactions you should expect include anger, anxiety, depression, rage, shame, grief, powerlessness, fear, resentment, and sadness. Learning about these common responses during a divorce and how they influence stress levels can help you develop a way to mitigate them efficiently.
Practical Stress Management Techniques
Here are some stress management strategies you can utilize to combat divorce stress effectively.
- Stay active
With all the divorce challenges you’re experiencing, it can be tempting to stay in bed, live a sedentary lifestyle, and neglect your physical health. Regular exercise is a great stress reliever, as it significantly reduces your body’s stress hormones, namely cortisol and adrenaline.
Engage in physical activities you genuinely enjoy and dedicate at least a few minutes or hours daily. Choose an exercise that doesn’t stress you out, even by thinking about it, and don’t force yourself to do something you’re not the least bit fond of.
- Eat well
The food and beverages you consume daily can either lessen or increase your stress levels. Make sure to eat a variety of foods from different food groups. Increase your intake of high-fiber foods like nuts and beans, and include plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Some of the best foods to reduce stress include whole grains, dark chocolate, fish, avocados, strawberries, and citrus fruits. Lessen your sugar and salt consumption, and as much as possible, avoid anything processed, as they can cause depression and anxiety symptoms. Eating clean not only nourishes your body but also helps you cope with the emotional and mental pain of divorce.
- Seek help
Seeking support is integral during this demanding period. Therapy and counseling can be powerful tools in managing divorce stress. Find a reliable therapist, counselor, or any professional mental health professional with whom you feel comfortable. These experts can help you efficiently sort out your emotions and provide a safe space to decompress, especially when you’re emotionally overwhelmed.
In addition to outside help, surround yourself with trusted, positive, and well-meaning loved ones who are ready to support you in any way. You can also join online divorce support groups, allowing you to connect with individuals going through similar marital issues.
Endnote
Even if you parted on good terms with your spouse, divorce is never easy. Aside from seeking help, practicing self-care, eating healthily, and staying active, you must also take time to plan for the future. While the future may seem bleak through your lens, you must remain optimistic, however difficult. Create realistic goals post-divorce, embrace your emotions as they are, and gracefully let go.
