How to Cope with Divorce

For most people, the emotional aftermath of a divorce is foreign territory. Even amicable divorces lead to sadness, loneliness, and guilt. Terminating your marriage may be one of the biggest challenges of your life, but remember this: you are not alone. Like any trial, learning how to cope with divorce can be done, especially with a little help and guidance.

Every divorce is different, but experts have found a variety of ways to help divorcees cope with separation. If you are seeking a divorce or recently went through a divorce, here are a few tips to guide you through the coping process:

Give Yourself Enough Time to Grieve

It is natural to feel a mix of emotions after a separation. Some of these feelings may conflict with each other, including relief, anger, guilt, and sadness. Recognize these emotions and give yourself enough time to grieve the loss of the relationship, including lost companionship, support, and shared experiences.

Take Care of Yourself

Ending a marriage or any significant relationship is exhausting – financially and emotionally. As you cope with divorce, make sure to care for yourself by doing these five things:

• Get plenty of sleep and rest
• Try to minimize other sources of tension in your life
• If possible, reduce your workload
• Exercise to stay healthy and reduce stress
• Chose healthy foods, which can boost your mood and energy

Find a Routine and Stick to It

Divorce is disruptive. In fact, terminating a marriage will influence every facet of your life. In the wake of a divorce, finding a routine is one of the best ways to avoid stress caused the chaos of the separation.

Establishing a routine is not only comforting but can help you start to build a life without your ex-spouse. During this time, experts recommend avoiding big decisions. This includes moving, find a new job, or any event that could have a long-term impact on your life.

Take Time to Learn From Your Experience

Coping with a loss is never easy, but you can take this time to examine your goals, strengths, and weaknesses. Ask yourself, “How can I learn from this experience?” As you move forward with your life, identify negative feelings caused by your divorce and use them as a starting point for changes and improvement.