Five Important Ways To Take Care Of Yourself During Your Divorce
Even when a divorce is clearly the proper thing to do, it's never a fun process. Life changes can cause a significant amount of stress, making it easy to lose sight of what's important. As a result, many people forget to take care of themselves properly during the process. This leads to anger, depression, and possibly other health issues.
That's why it's so important to take care of yourself during your divorce proceedings. By following a few simple tips, you can protect your health and state of mind during this difficult time in your life.
Get Enough Sleep
The average person needs 7-8 hours of sleep each night--with some folks needing as much as 10 hours each day. Under normal circumstances, it's difficult to find the time to get enough sleep. Add in the additional obligations and stress of a divorce and you have a recipe for sleep deprivation.
That's why the most important thing you can do for yourself is block out enough time for a healthy amount of sleep. You'll avoid all of the associated side effects of sleep deprivation, such as:
- Moodiness
- Cognitive impairment
- Hallucinations
- Weight gain
Exercise Regularly
Some people respond to adversity with an excess of motivation. The rest tend to shut down. Often, when people shut down, one of the first activities to go from their daily routine is exercise. This tendency can cause a number of health problems.
Arguably more important, exercise is a key ingredient to managing depression. Exercise has been shown to have a measurable chemical impact on your mood. People who continue to exercise regularly during their divorce are more likely to maintain a healthy outlook and are much less at risk for developing symptoms of clinical depression.
Challenge Negative Thinking
When things appear bleak, it's easy to fall into a trap of viewing the world through a negative lens. This can cause your relationships with friends and family to suffer and make life seem more difficult than it is. It can also prevent you from making positive changes that will ultimately lead to your lasting happiness.
As a result, it's important that you challenge negative thinking as you notice it. One positive way to do this is to work on something that you're not very good at doing. Improvement is the enemy of pessimism, and your growth will serve as a concrete reminder of your potential for growth and improvement--driving a positive self perception.
Eat Well
People experience mood swings when they're hungry. Unfortunately, most people's diets are filled with a great deal of refined sugars and carbohydrates. These foods create a short burst of energy which is followed by a swift crash in energy and mood.
A proper diet is the best defense against this. Start every day with a healthy breakfast and add healthy, sensible snacks to your daily routine. This will make it possible to maintain a high level of energy and an overall positive mood. You'll also function much better in all that you do every day.
Spend Some Money
Since divorce represents a financial arrangement, it's easy to get caught up in the expense of it all. Lawyer's fees and court costs add to the financial stress you're likely feeling. The natural response is to save money at every opportunity.
While this is logical, it isn't always optimal. Your life shouldn't be placed on hold while your divorce is finalized. After all, a divorce doesn't happen overnight. Be sure to continue responsible spending habits, but don't be afraid to make a purchase that you wouldn't have thought twice about under different circumstances. This will help you avoid unnecessary resentment.
Nothing in the world can make your divorce easy. It's a complicated, stressful event. However, by taking care of yourself during the process, you'll be sure to come out of it with your happiness and other relationships intact.
Divorce is also much easier when you work with an experienced lawyer. Visit http://www.glfamilylaw.com to learn more.
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