If you are currently going through a divorce or considering filing, it’s likely that you’ll be so focused on the logistical aspects of the process and on how everyone else is feeling that you may disregard your own emotions. Balancing all of the difficult aspects of divorce can be difficult or impossible, but you should always make sure that you are keeping your mental health in check because if you are not looking after yourself, you’ll struggle to tackle everything else on your plate.
While it’s easy to push your emotions to the side when you are going through a stressful and tumultuous time, practicing a few simple techniques could help you to get a new perspective on things, meaning that divorce will be a much smoother process. The following are some things you should take into account if you are finding your divorce emotionally difficult.
See divorce as an opportunity to heal
While it’s possible that you are heartbroken, angry or resentful at this time, you should remember that divorce gives you an opportunity to heal, and therefore it can be a positive rather than a negative thing. Consider what conversations and actions may help you to gain closure at this time.
Invite all of your emotions to the table
Emotions can be uncomfortable and even scary. But to work through them properly, we must acknowledge them and give them a seat at the table. For example, if you are experiencing anger, you should try to identify this, and then instead of acting on your anger, question why you might be experiencing it, and how you could more productively address it, than, say, through an angry outburst or internalized resentment.
Make time for you
Making time for yourself is essential for mental health. Try to give yourself at least 30 minutes each day to do something that you genuinely enjoy, whether that’s exercising, meditating, journaling, walking in nature, listening to music, etc.
If you are going through a divorce, access the tools you need to make it a success.