For many couples, getting divorced is the right decision for their emotional well-being. However, even when divorce is the best option for your situation and you’re working with an experienced New Jersey divorce lawyer, the process can have a negative impact on your mental health. After all, you’re severing ties with someone you believed you’d spend your life with. Here are a few proven coping strategies that will help you get through your separation and divorce more easily.
Reach Out to Loved Ones
When you’re divorcing your spouse, it’s normal to experience feelings of loneliness. Instead of grappling with those feelings, reach out to your close friends and family. Let them know what’s going on and lean on them for support throughout the process. Prioritize getting together and if you’re struggling, let them know you need additional support.
Pursue a New Passion or Hobby
Some people find that divorce can be a fresh start. Adopt this mentality by pursuing a new passion or hobby that you may otherwise not have tried. It can be something small like adopting a new meditation practice or joining a gym or something more involved like joining a local improv group and putting yourself out there. Give yourself permission to try new things. This will help you learn more about yourself, what drives you, and what puts a smile on your face. You can use this knowledge going forward to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
Take Time for Yourself
When you’re struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety from your divorce, it’s easy to let your personal health and well-being take the backseat. While there’s nothing wrong with taking the occasional day to do nothing and lounge around in your pajamas, doing it consistently can hurt your health. Do what you can to prioritize your health and well-being. Strive to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Start a consistent exercise routine and keep your body moving. Eat real food rather than processed junk food. These small changes can have a major impact on how you feel, making it easier to get through your divorce.
Have Your New Jersey Divorce Lawyer Present at Conversations With Your Spouse
Some divorces may require you to talk to your spouse to negotiate terms and reach agreements. While you can do this on your own, doing so can be difficult, especially if you and your spouse are not getting along. Instead, ask your attorney to be present in any meetings or conversations you have with your spouse. Remember, your attorney works for you and always has your best interests in mind. They’ll be able to keep the conversation moving so you can stay calm, cool, and collected even if your spouse is behaving immaturely.
Consider Therapy
Divorce can bring up emotions that you weren’t expecting regardless of how long you were married. Speaking with a therapist can help you process those emotions and identify new coping mechanisms to help you through an already stressful time. You can even do this from the comfort of your own home by choosing a therapist who offers remote appointments. Keep in mind that you may not click with the first therapist you speak with. That doesn’t mean attending therapy isn’t a good idea. It just means you need to keep looking for the right professional.
Create a Routine
When your world feels like it’s spiraling, one of the best things you can do to regain control is to set a daily routine. Block out time for specific tasks each day and stick to that routine as best you can. Over time, this can help you stick to new hobbies and activities that bring you joy while also giving you a sense of control over your life.
Carvajal Law Is Here to Help
Getting divorced can be stressful, but these tips can help you look out for your personal well-being and health throughout the process. Try them for yourself and see if they make it easier to take on each day with confidence.
Need a New Jersey divorce lawyer to represent your case and help you get a fair divorce settlement? Contact Carvajal Law today to schedule a free consultation.