Going through a divorce is never easy. Maybe you ended things on amicable terms, or maybe it was a long, drawn-out battle in court that you’d rather not think about. No matter the situation, it’s important to remember that divorce is a loss.
It’s hard getting back to feeling your best after divorce. You’re losing something that was a major part of your life, and it’s okay to grieve. You don’t have to hide your emotions or how you’re feeling after a divorce. Many people try to get through it by trying to appear as strong and independent as possible. There’s a place for that, especially if children are involved, but you have to think about your mental, physical, and emotional health in the process.
When you experience a loss, it can take a toll on your entire being. If you don’t take care of yourself and acknowledge those things, it could lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It could manifest itself physically and create health problems.
So, what can you do to make self-care a priority, to feel your best once more, and to truly find yourself again after you’ve gone through a divorce?
Here are 6 ways to start feeling your best after divorce.
1. Get Enough Rest
A divorce can be exhausting in every sense of the word. After you get through it, you might have trouble sleeping for a while — especially if you can’t seem to turn off your thoughts. You may also be getting used to sleeping alone for the first time in years.
There are a variety of factors that could be keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep. It could be something as simple as having a mattress that doesn’t work for you. Getting a new mattress can actually be a sort of “fresh start,” especially if you’re trying to break away from some of the things you shared with your former spouse. Doing so can improve how well you sleep and how good you feel.
Additionally, it can help to develop a sleep routine to wind down each night. Go to bed at around the same time and cut out any distractions that might try to keep you awake. Practicing good sleep habits will make it easier to fall asleep quickly and allow you to rest peacefully through the night.
2. Take Care of Your Health
This probably won’t come as a surprise, but taking care of your physical health is one of the most important things you can do after a divorce. Things like sleeping, eating well, and exercising regularly are the best way to do this on a daily basis.
If you’ve been neglecting your overall health and wellness in other ways, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Now, more than ever, you should be going to the doctor regularly for exams. If you have children, you need to stay healthy for them. But you should also stay healthy to feel strong and live your best life.
Do you have areas of general health that you’ve been ignoring? For example, over 10 million people in the U.S. struggle with some kind of vision problem. Have you been having headaches or difficulty seeing things clearly? It might be time to head to the eye doctor for a diagnosis.
Have you neglected your oral health over the years? In addition to making sure your mouth is healthy, you may also want to consider a “smile makeover” with teeth whitening or other procedures. Not only will doing so ensure your teeth are in top shape, but it can give you a fresh start and the confidence you need to move on after a divorce.
Making your health a priority after a divorce will give you peace of mind and allow you to do some of the other things necessary to move forward with your life.
3. Redesign Your Space
A change in your space can make a big difference in how you feel after a divorce. Whether you remain in your marital home or you move somewhere new, don’t be afraid to change things up!
Certain redecorating tips can actually help to reduce anxiety and stress, but it’s more important that you go with things to reflect your personal style and taste. Reclaim your space and consider it a fresh start. Eventually, you’ll start to love being at home rather than feeling trapped by the memories that might have been there before.
4. Restructure Your Social Life
Married couples often have the same circle of friends. It can be difficult to “pick and choose” your friendships after a divorce, but you don’t have to give up the friendships that mean something to you.
At the same time, it’s also the perfect opportunity to meet new people. It’s also a great excuse to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Sign up for an exercise group, take a class, or join a book club. You’ll likely find people with similar interests, and you can invest in new relationships that can make your life better. Restructuring your social circle after a divorce can help with the feelings of loneliness. New friends can also serve as a much-needed support system.
5. Make Mental Health a Priority
While it’s important to take care of your physical health, your mental health should be your top priority. It’s easy to feel as though your life is spiraling out of control soon after a divorce. The bottom line is, you’re not going to be the same person you were when you were married.
So, you have to figure out what your new life looks like. At first, that can take a toll on your emotional well-being. It’s a lot to process, and it’s overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to go through it alone.
If you’re struggling after your divorce and feel as though you’re trekking through the process alone, contact a mental health professional or join a support group. Sometimes a listening ear can make a big difference, as well as knowing there are others out there who are struggling with some of the same issues.
The journey after a divorce will be a long one. Feeling your best after divorce can take a while. But, by taking the time to take care of yourself, you can end up feeling better than ever before.
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