According to research, divorce is the second-most-stressful event a person can experience – only the death of a spouse has the potential to cause more distress than the divorce process. Both events, however, spell a painful loss followed by dramatic life changes. No wonder then, if you are going through a divorce or even preparing for it, you may be under a lot of pressure and stress.
Since stress can have a very real, detrimental effect on both your mental and physical health, you need to take preventive measures to protect yourself. The good news is that, even though you can’t always control events causing stress, you may control its effects by applying a few of the practical stress-management strategies we discuss in this article.
- Watch Your Diet
The link between a proper diet and good physical and mental health has been long established. Since severe stress – such as the one associated with divorce – can cause both weight loss and gravely compromise your immune system, you need to consciously counter these negative effects with the right kind of foods. For example, trying to cut down on – or better still, avoid completely – sugar, alcohol, and chocolate can naturally reduce your stress levels. Eating products rich in antioxidants and vitamin C – like fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens – will boost your immune system. Additionally, according to one study, eating more whole foods than processed foods can make you feel less depressed.
- Exercise
The importance of exercising regularly cannot be overstated as physical activity has also been shown to have a positive effect on a person’s mood, especially in stressful times. In addition to elevating your mood, exercising can also be a way to cope with negative emotions such as anger and anxiety. However, be careful not to overexert yourself, as this may defeat the health benefits of exercise.
- Get Enough Sleep
When you sleep, your body activates a host of natural healing mechanisms that can counter the negative effects of stress. For example, getting between 7-9 hours of sleep promotes heart health, reduces inflammation and risk of depression, and improves your memory. After a good night’s sleep, you may often feel that yesterday’s challenges don’t seem quite as menacing anymore.
- Talk About Your Divorce
When things get especially stressful, you may feel like isolating yourself from your friends and family. However, rather than alleviating stress, not talking about your situation can only make things worse. Expressing your thoughts and feelings may help you understand yourself better and identify both some stress-causing issues you haven’t noticed before as well as effective solutions to them. Additionally, your friends and family know you and care for you, so it is likely that they may offer sound advice or practical help that will carry you through the worst times. You may also find talking about your divorce situation with a qualified psychologist beneficial for your emotional and psychological well-being.
- Let a Lawyer Take Care of the Legal Side of It
Trying to handle all of your divorce matters alone can not only cause you additional stress, but also put you in a disadvantage – especially if your soon-to-be-ex-spouse decides to hire a divorce attorney. Working with a lawyer on your divorce case can give you peace of mind you and ensure that your interests will be properly interested and protected throughout the entirety of the divorce proceedings.
The Grey Legal Group are experienced family law attorneys based in Murrieta, California. If you are in need of trusted advice related to your divorce case or any other family law issues you’re experiencing, do not hesitate to contact us and schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers.
The Grey Legal Group
Latest posts by The Grey Legal Group (see all)
- Back-To-School, Co-Parenting, & Overcoming Challenges - September 12, 2023
