Many couples deal with divorce. According to research conducted by Bowling Green State University, divorce rates are falling, but they still hover between 40 and 50 percent on average. This translates to over 800,000 every year, but the commonness often does not lessen the emotional impact a divorce has on an individual. It is often devastating to recover and rebuild your life after the end of your marriage, but there are several steps you can take to lighten the struggle. These four tips are a great place to start.
Seek counseling from a professional therapist
Seeking therapy is a great way to work through any major trauma or life changes. In some cases, a divorce qualifies as both, so connecting with a counselor is a good way to begin dealing with your feelings and finding productive resolutions. You can even do research to see if there are providers in your area who specialize in post-divorce counseling.
Stay active and involved in your community
Though you may feel tempted to retreat from the world and become isolated, this is one of the worst things you can do immediately following your divorce. Mindfully taking time for yourself is often beneficial, but withdrawing is not. Instead, you should remain involved in the activities that you enjoy and the lives of those you care about. This is healthy, and it is also a great way to shift your focus from the emotional distress you might be dealing with.
Engage in calming techniques
In addition to engaging with activities and people you enjoy, you should seek out things to do that are calming. Some examples include yoga or meditation exercises that allow you to release stress, focus on a mindful state and develop calming techniques. These abilities will come in handy when you feel prone to upset and other negative emotions.
Talk to friends and family who you trust
One of the most important of all tips is to talk to those around you. It may feel like you have already burdened those around you with negativity, but more often than not, your friends and family want to be there for you. Reach out to those you trust for help when you need it. Having a simple conversation can make all the difference in the world when it comes to working through your emotions in a healthy way.
