In 1967, two psychiatrists conducted a study to measure the effects of stress on health. They compared medical records of more than 5,000 patients and then asked them to score 43 life events according to how stressful they are. According to this list – named the Holmes and Rahe stress scale after the last names of the researchers who conducted the study – divorce is the second highest stressor that a person can experience.
Divorce does indeed abound in stressful situations. Considering that it takes on average 12 months to legally terminate your marriage in Texas, going into a divorce may expose you to serious stress with negative effects on your health, happiness, and psychological well-being. In this article, we present a few practical suggestions on how you can manage stress during a divorce and ensure you’re protected from its long-term impact.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
The sheer number of hours and amount of work you will have to put in to prepare yourself for a divorce – as well as the actual divorce proceedings – may make it a challenge to take time to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. If you tend to lose weight in stressful situations, during a divorce you may lose too much weight too quickly. On the other hand, some people may have a tendency to cope with negative emotions by overeating or eating unhealthy foods. Whatever your case may be, you need to make a conscious effort to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. This will boost your spirits and help your mind stay sharp. You may want to consider using free apps such as My Fitness Pal to help keep your diet on the right track during this stressful time.
Exercise
Regular exercise is probably the single most effective thing you can do to combat stress, boost your endorphin levels, and strengthen your immune system. Due to divorce-related financial constraints, you may not be able to afford an expensive gym membership, but don’t let that stop you from taking care of body and mind. There are plenty of effective exercise programs that you can do at home with no or minimum equipment; and to go for a run or brisk walk, you just need a pair of shoes!
Control Negative Emotions
The more contentious the divorce, the more negative emotions you will feel – especially towards your spouse. Such emotions may be normal and valid considering your situation and you shouldn’t blame yourself for them. However, don’t give in to the temptation of dwelling on these negative feelings – let alone acting on them. Instead, consider journaling these emotions or negative events for your attorney. That way you will learn to control them instead of letting them control you. This may be the time to seek out individual therapy, too.
Be Attentive to Your Needs
When you’re going through a divorce, there are plenty of things you need to think about and take care of. You may have to figure out your future finances and living conditions. If you have children, you’re probably doing all you can to spare them any unnecessary emotional pain. In the midst of it all, it’s all too easy to forget about your own needs – emotional and otherwise. Again, you will have to make a conscious effort to do things that recharge your batteries and nurture yourself physically and emotionally. Maybe there is a book that you’ve been wanting to read for a long time, a favorite sports activity that you haven’t done in a while, or a hobby that you’ve neglected. Doing such things – and doing them with positive people who really care about you – not only will help you unwind and but also boost your self-esteem and sense of well-being
Find a Lawyer Who Will Really Listen
Before, during, and probably after your divorce, you will need legal advice and representation from a divorce attorney. A good attorney will not only provide legal assistance, but will also be able to adjust his or her approach to your particular situation and the specific needs of your divorce. The attorneys at Fraser, Wilson & Bryan, P.C. provide compassionate advice and representation focused on what’s best for their clients. Call us today and let’s talk about the details of your situation and the best course of action available for you.
