Tips for Reducing Your Stress During a Divorce

Tips for Reducing Your Stress During a Divorce

A divorce can be one of the most stressful times of a person’s life. Even the most amicable separation often carries tremendous grief, as well as the logistical stress of disentangling two interconnected lives. If a divorce is contentious, there may be the additional stress of a formal legal process, potentially involving court.

Divorce can be particularly stressful where children are involved - from deciding how to navigate telling the kids about the divorce to negotiating parental decision-making responsibilities and child support. Working with child support lawyers, mediators, and other professionals may help alleviate some stress. Nonetheless, many important actions are demanded of the divorcing parties in this highly emotional time, and it is easy to experience burnout as a result.

It may be beneficial to take some time to reflect on what you need during this challenging period. Reducing your stress during a divorce may not only improve your quality of life in the present moment, it can also help you clear your head for the decisions to come.

If you have questions about the legal process surrounding a divorce or separation, contact our Edmonton divorce lawyers today and see how we may help you.

Give Yourself a Break

Recognize that all feelings are valid, and there is no one “right” way of processing grief. It is all right if you are not functioning at optimal capacity during this time, and it is all right if you are throwing yourself into your work. It is all right if you are not able to care for your loved ones with the same attention as usual, or if you are falling behind on your day-to-day tasks. 

Where possible, try to take some time to yourself. This can mean treating yourself to a night in, going on a trip you have been putting off, or simply carving out the time to meditate or take a nap. Take time to cultivate your most important relationship: with yourself.

Reach Out For Help

You do not have to go through this alone. Reaching out to friends and family can make a big difference in your life while you navigate a divorce. It can be very helpful to talk your feelings out loud, and receive the emotional support of those around you. Spending time with others can also remind you that you are surrounded by an abundance of love.

Let yourself reach out for professional help, too - even if you already feel supported by your community. Working with licensed mental health professionals may help you reflect on your relationship, process your grief, and begin to look toward the future.

Take Care of Your Body

Even in ordinary times, many of us spend a lot of time in our heads, forgetting how profoundly influenced we are by our bodies. During a divorce, it can be easy to forget to eat, to forgo sleep, and to avoid exercising. 

Try to take care of your body even if you do not feel like it. Eat healthy, nutrient-rich foods every day. Make sure you get enough sleep and sunlight. Go outside. Move your body, whether through casual activities such as walking, or more intensive exercise. It has been scientifically proven that physical activity can have a beneficial impact for people working through grief.

Seek Legal Support

Divorce is a legal process, and many of the stressors associated with it involve complex administrative decisions. Working with our Edmonton divorce lawyers may alleviate a lot of stress. From helping you sort out how to deal with debt, to advising on your decisions regarding children, spousal support, property divisions, and more, a divorce lawyer may guide you through the process, and help you understand your legal rights. 

Contact Our Edmonton Divorce Lawyers Today for a Consultation

Every divorce is unique. At Verhaeghe Law, we would be more than happy to listen to the details of your particular case, and see how we may be able to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

** Please note, this article is intended as a general overview on the subject of divorce law, and is not intended to be legal advice. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with a lawyer.

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