Experiencing a divorce is one of the largest stressors people will face in their lifetime. Not only does it mean the dissolution of an important relationship, but it also often means financial stress, finding a new place to call home, and changing interactions with family members.
Beyond figuring out the nuances of health insurance after divorce, there are steps you can take to ensure that you stay healthy during this trying time. Here are five things you can do to stay healthy during a divorce.
Eat Right
There tend to be two responses to extremely stressful situations that vary from person to person: eating more or eating less. Our eating habits are often closely tied to our emotions. Many people will experience a loss of appetite, resulting in extreme weight loss during a divorce. Others will eat as a reaction to stress, gaining weight in an unhealthy way.
Take time to ensure that you’re getting the calories and nutrients that you need to stay healthy. If you’re struggling with a lack of appetite, use homemade shakes and supplements to ensure that you’re getting a healthy balance of food and vitamins. If you’re overeating, take small steps to ensure that you’re getting healthy meals in first.
Talk to Someone
You need to be able to process the emotions that you’re experiencing in a healthy way. Whether you choose to talk to friends and family members or a professional counselor, it’s important that you have an opportunity to speak your mind instead of bottling up your emotions.
Sometimes people feel embarrassed or ashamed during a divorce and tend to keep all of their thoughts and feelings inside rather than processing them in a way that promotes long-term mental health. If you feel as though you can’t talk to someone, get the thoughts out by journaling or writing letters that you have no intention of sending.
Now is the ideal time to try new things that you had been putting off. If you’ve always wanted to take art classes, sign up for one. If you’ve always been interested in salsa dancing, give it a shot. You will likely find yourself coping with free time that you didn’t previously have. By filling it up with something valuable to you, you’ll be happier and healthier in the long run.
For those who have children and don’t have the free time to do things without them, try new things with the kids. Take up hiking or take a DIY approach to art lessons. Have everyone come up with a new skill they want to learn and make it happen.
Don’t Drink Away the Pain
Having a couple of drinks with friends to unwind is an acceptable indulgence every now and then. When you start partying every weekend, however, or find yourself drinking alone daily, there’s a problem. Don’t use substances as a crutch to help you get over the pain of your divorce. It will only hurt you in the long run.
If you find that you’ve been turning to substances, reach out for help. A professional counselor can help you curb the impulse to drink and assist with processing the emotions you feel in a healthy, constructive way. This is especially important if you or a family member have a history of addiction.
Build a Relationship with Yourself
After a divorce, you may struggle to find your footing as a single person rather than a part of a couple. You may have a bit of an identity crisis, unable to figure out who you are without that person. This experience doesn’t have to be negative; it’s a great opportunity to build a relationship with yourself.
Take the time to think about the things you want, who you are, and who you want to be going forward. Reflect upon some of the things you did well in your relationship and what you did poorly.
A divorce can be extremely stressful, but it can also be a valuable learning experience. This hardship may lead to a brighter future for you. Stay healthy and build a support network to stay the course.
