How to take care of yourself during divorce

Divorce is difficult even when it’s the best choice for everyone. The entire process can take a lot of time and energy, which can leave people feeling depleted. Even so, every part of the process is important, and there aren’t many, if any, shortcuts to getting through it.

If you’re going through a divorce here in Louisiana, this might sound familiar. Fortunately, there are ways to keep yourself healthy while still giving the needed attention to this event.  There are things that you can do directly for yourself, but there are also ways to get others to assist you through this time.

It’s okay to rely on others

Many people going through divorce feel guilty for not handling every aspect on their own. If this sounds like you, just know that there is nothing wrong with leaning on others during this time. You probably have a network of friends and family members who can give you emotional support and help you care for your children or reduce your workload. Asking others for assistance may actually help you dedicate yourself more fully to the tasks you have to do alone.

In addition to your inner circle, you may have a network of professionals who can assist you with various aspects of your divorce. This can include financial advisors, attorneys and therapists. These people can also offer their professional expertise while staying neutral on the more emotional aspects of divorce. If you don’t have some of these figures in your life, now may be the time to seek them out.

Things you can do for yourself

Though it may seem self-indulgent, it’s actually very important that you care for yourself. This could simply mean getting enough sleep and eating right, but it could include things like meditation or a massage. Divorce is stressful enough, and it’s fine to do what you can to reduce that stress.

It’s also a good idea to watch your levels of digital consumption. Social media and television may feel like great escapes, and they can do just that. However, they can also bombard you with information that isn’t helpful and actually raise your stress levels. The best choice might be limiting how or when you consume digital information.

Caring for your children

Many parents might feel guilty giving themselves extra attention when they have children with needs. One of the best things you can do for them during the divorce process is to be in the present moment. You may want to reduce your children’s digital screen time along with your own. It’s a good time to focus on the activities you do together and the conversations that may come up.

Just because both spouses involved try to be as amicable as possible doesn’t mean the process of divorce still isn’t stressful. It is important to make sure that you care for yourself during what may be a very difficult time. If you have questions about getting a divorce, an attorney can help you determine the next steps to take.