Divorce hurts more than any breakup, regardless of the circumstances. You part ways with someone you once considered your soul mate and vowed to live the rest of your life with. It doesn’t matter who initiated the divorce or what events led to it, because the loss is undeniable. Filing for Divorce was probably the best course of action, yet it is natural to feel hollow inside. The good news is that whatever you feel right now is temporary. You will eventually move on and start a brand new chapter of your life. In the meantime, let the following tips help you cope with the divorce:
8 Tips to Cope with Divorce
1. Do not confine your Grief
Many individuals are confused by the different or contradicting feelings they experience post-divorce. Sometimes they are extremely sad, at times just angry, and often it’s a whole cocktail of emotions. People who themselves filed for divorce think that they are not allowed to be upset because the divorce was their choice. The thing is that everyone grieves in their own way and there are no universal standards for how and how long to grieve. If you feel like crying, unleash the ocean of tears. If you want to wreck or blow stuff up, express the rage at a shooting range or something.
2. Stick to a Routine
Keeping yourself busy with day-to-day errands is the easiest way to distract yourself from the pain of losing your spouse. If you have a job, focus on your career. If you need to go to school, do that and educate yourself for better prospects. Return to a normal life where you do house chores, go grocery shopping, catch up on your favorite T.V shows, and indulge in other things like that.
3. Do not isolate yourself
It is commonplace to feel lonely right after a divorce because you were used to having your partner around and depending on them in more ways than one. If you lock yourself at home and mope over the past, you will fall into unhealthy habits. You may suffer from chronic depression, become an alcoholic, or develop an eating disorder. You need to surround yourself with family and friends who care for you and are willing to provide all the emotional support you need right now.
4. Let go of Mementos
Holding onto things that remind you of your ex is a bad idea. You need to get over them, which is impossible unless you let go of their memories and souvenirs. For starters, give away any gifts they gave you, delete old messages from them, and get rid of all photos you have of them. Believe it or not, out of sight becomes out of mind. Make new memories that celebrate your new found independence.
5. Forgive yourself
Perhaps you were partially or primarily responsible for the problems in your marriage; acknowledging that is the most important step to redemption. If you are feeling guilty, apologize to your ex and then forgive yourself. Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone has the courage to admit them. Try to be a better person every day and live your life to the fullest while you can.
6. Take a break from Relationships
If you are still grieving over your divorce, it is no time to jump into the dating pool once again. You just got out of a serious and possibly long-term relationship, so you are not ready to be with someone new. You should concentrate on yourself for a while and enjoy the single life. Take this time to figure out what you truly want from life and what qualities you seek in a future partner.
7. Consider a change of scenery
This is the ideal time to plan a vacation or embark on that road trip you always yearned for. Retreat to a faraway place with friends or on your own. The change of scenery will be refreshing; the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells will fascinate you and help you forget about the worries back home. You will feel like a new person on your return – ready for new beginnings.
8. Take good care of your body
Workout and eat healthy to release stress and stay fit. When you take care of your body, you look good and feel good. If you feel too anxious lately, try yoga or meditation to attain peace of mind. If you are struggling to cope, do not hesitate to seek professional help. You may benefit from physical or mental therapy, or even both.
Author Bio
John Adams is a lifestyle blogger and paralegal at a family law firm. He writes about widespread social and legal issues, aiming to help readers solve problems and overcome traumatic experiences. He aims to reach out to individuals who are unaware of their legal rights, and make the world a better place.
What is your Advice to Cope With Divorce?
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