Coping With Divorce - 5 Strategies to Overcome the Emotional Challenge of Separation
Divorce is never easy.
However given that over 50% of marriages end in divorce, many of us will go through the emotional challenge of separating emotionally and physically from our spouses.
The grief over divorce has been likened to the intensity of grief over a death.
In fact, divorce is the death of an ideal, a dream, and a known way of life.
However, it can also be a new beginning and a good opportunity to establish healthier habits that will serve you during the process of divorce and beyond.
Here are 5 strategies which will help you as you navigate the challenge of divorce: 1.
Eat healthy foods.
It is common either to lose your appetite or overeat comfort food during times of emotional stress such as this one.
If you are struggling with appetite, try keeping high quality, high protein snacks readily available.
Jerky, trail mix, and nuts are all good choices.
A handful of food know and again in passing may be less overwhelming than sitting down to a full meal.
If your issue is overeating, make sure you are not eating while distracted, i.
e.
in front of the tv.
Many people find it helpful to cut off their eating at a certain time in the evening, i.
e.
7 pm.
Get some exercise.
As difficult as it is to get motivated when under emotional stress, it will do a great deal to relieve your physical and emotional tension to work out.
Consult your doctor for recommendations on your optimal level of physical activity.
Cardiovascular exercise is the ideal type of workout for mood elevation, due to the endorphin release that occurs when the heart rate is elevated over sustained periods of time.
Ideally, you will work up to 45 minutes of cardio exercise 5 times per week, but for now start slowly.
The important thing is to get moving.
3.
Talk it out with someone.
Confiding in close friends and family is very important to help you put things into perspective and regain equilibrium.
Particularly if you are coming out of any kind of abusive situation with your spouse, having people close to you who tell you the truth and help you "reprogram" your mindset is invaluable.
A counselor, who is unbiased and professionally trained, can also be an invaluable resource during this time.
4.
Try supplements.
If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, natural supplements can be very helpful in alleviating these conditions.
A good food based multivitamin and calcium supplement is a good starting point.
Also try L-Theanine, which is an anti-anxiety supplement, and 5 HTP (hydroxytryptophan), a natural antidepressant.
If your symptoms are severe or debilitating, don't hesitate to see your doctor for medication.
5.
Practice other forms of self care.
Write down a list of simple things you enjoy.
Take one item off this list every day and do it for yourself.
When you are finished, cross the items off your list.
When you have exhausted this list, create a new one.
You are worth the effort!
However given that over 50% of marriages end in divorce, many of us will go through the emotional challenge of separating emotionally and physically from our spouses.
The grief over divorce has been likened to the intensity of grief over a death.
In fact, divorce is the death of an ideal, a dream, and a known way of life.
However, it can also be a new beginning and a good opportunity to establish healthier habits that will serve you during the process of divorce and beyond.
Here are 5 strategies which will help you as you navigate the challenge of divorce: 1.
Eat healthy foods.
It is common either to lose your appetite or overeat comfort food during times of emotional stress such as this one.
If you are struggling with appetite, try keeping high quality, high protein snacks readily available.
Jerky, trail mix, and nuts are all good choices.
A handful of food know and again in passing may be less overwhelming than sitting down to a full meal.
If your issue is overeating, make sure you are not eating while distracted, i.
e.
in front of the tv.
Many people find it helpful to cut off their eating at a certain time in the evening, i.
e.
7 pm.
Get some exercise.
As difficult as it is to get motivated when under emotional stress, it will do a great deal to relieve your physical and emotional tension to work out.
Consult your doctor for recommendations on your optimal level of physical activity.
Cardiovascular exercise is the ideal type of workout for mood elevation, due to the endorphin release that occurs when the heart rate is elevated over sustained periods of time.
Ideally, you will work up to 45 minutes of cardio exercise 5 times per week, but for now start slowly.
The important thing is to get moving.
3.
Talk it out with someone.
Confiding in close friends and family is very important to help you put things into perspective and regain equilibrium.
Particularly if you are coming out of any kind of abusive situation with your spouse, having people close to you who tell you the truth and help you "reprogram" your mindset is invaluable.
A counselor, who is unbiased and professionally trained, can also be an invaluable resource during this time.
4.
Try supplements.
If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, natural supplements can be very helpful in alleviating these conditions.
A good food based multivitamin and calcium supplement is a good starting point.
Also try L-Theanine, which is an anti-anxiety supplement, and 5 HTP (hydroxytryptophan), a natural antidepressant.
If your symptoms are severe or debilitating, don't hesitate to see your doctor for medication.
5.
Practice other forms of self care.
Write down a list of simple things you enjoy.
Take one item off this list every day and do it for yourself.
When you are finished, cross the items off your list.
When you have exhausted this list, create a new one.
You are worth the effort!