Divorce is stressful, no matter how amicable the separation. There are tips people can follow to help them through this difficult process.
Nobody will argue that divorce for people in Phoenix is difficult, even the most amicable ones. People’s emotional, mental and physical health are compromised throughout the entire process, and it is no wonder why. Divorce ranks second in the top 10 life stressors, according to Michigan State University. For the record, marital separation, which legally splits a couple but does not officially dissolve the marriage, ranks third. Keeping sane and healthy throughout a divorce is possible, however.
Eat Right
People entering into the divorce process should always make certain that they take good care of themselves physically so that their bodies are ready to deal with the added and inevitable stress. US News states that one way to do this is to eat a good diet that includes vegetables, fruit and a lot of water. It’s never wise to drown divorce sorrows in alcohol, caffeine, junk food or, even worse, recreational drugs.
Exercise
Staying active is another way to keep one’s health. Getting out in the sunshine and the adrenaline rush of physical activity boosts serotonin and endorphins and helps people feel better and remain positive. Taking a yoga class, going dancing, starting a running program or engaging in sports can make a difference for people who feel stressed, anxious or depressed.
Routines are comforting
Sticking to a daily routine is also crucial in maintaining sanity during a divorce. Yes, separating couples have to make some adjustments as they establish their own households, but ultimately, keeping it as familiar as possible for the divorcees and children helps keep anxiety at bay. This is particularly important if the divorcing spouses are both seeking primary custody of the children, as the children’s best interests should always remain in the forefront of all negotiations.
Be gentle and mindful
It’s easy to get caught up in a trap of self-blame, self-doubt and reduced self-worth. Don’t. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, divorces and annulments have numbered in 800,000 to 900,000 annually from 2000 to 2014. Divorcing couples are not alone. Many marriages fail, so a person should not beat him or herself up over the divorce. It is better to be gentle and understanding of this life change and combat self-doubt whenever it creeps up.
Build a support network
This is easier said than done, and it is wise for people beginning the process of divorce to surround themselves with a network of loving, supporting and understanding people, which includes seeking counseling if necessary and joining a divorce support group. Your Tango points out that this helps reduce stress and enables people to cope better with what they are going through.
Don’t go it alone
Perhaps the most important thing people can do to maintain their sanity while hammering out their divorce is to seek out adequate family law counsel. Being supported and represented by attorneys who understand Arizona family law and consider their clients’ best interests the top priority is comforting no matter what the stress level is.