Change in and of itself can be a source of anxiety to many. But divorce, whether amicable or contentious, can be among the most stressful experiences most might experience. It is not unusual for a marital dissolution to cause anxiety, and even depression, at times.
But what can be done to lighten this stress? Some say looking forward to their new life ahead and making plans to secure that new beginning can be a good place to start. Things will be different but getting through to the other side can lead to a happier and brighter life.
To stay more centered and forward thinking about this potentially arduous journey through the divorce process you might consider:
- Joining a support group to help you vent and find positive commonalities with others experiencing similar issues.
- Committing to a regular exercise program. Not only will your body thank you, but those who exercise regularly, even moderately, report experiencing a kind of golden glow of beta endorphins, a chemical released by the body during exercise releasing feelings of positivity and even joy.
- Staying in touch with family and friends in your life is more important than ever.
- Meditation and other inner-focused body work can be a significant stress reliever. Quieting the body and mind can help put those nagging frustrations and communication failures in a lighter space, reducing anxiety.
- Don’t be afraid to get help when you need. It. This might be from a friend or family member, a therapist, or even simply securing more help around the house.
- Consider creating a chart in which you prioritize your problems and issues. Perhaps codify them as most pressing, important, and a “let it go” column for those difficulties you are not ready to deal with today or that can be simply let go.
When feeling anxiety, consider trying one or several of these tried-and-true strategies to immediately reduce your stress:
- Breathe. Taking three deep breaths and exhale deeply. This can be a good place to start.
- Express the feelings you are experiencing. Sometimes just identifying and naming a feeling can help minimize the impact of it.
- Go for a brisk walk or run. The fresh air and movement can help put things in perspective.
- Watch a funny comedian or show in which you are likely to laugh out loud. Laughing also releases beta endorphins.
- Take a hot bath or even consider a cold shower to help elevate your mood and relax the body and mind.
Take time to imagine your new life. Before you know it your divorce will be in the past, and your new life will have begun. Our Southern California based family law attorneys have a wealth of experience dealing with these issues. Setting a Clear Legal Strategy https://buncherlaw.com/the-clear-legal-strategy/ meeting with one of our attorneys can be a great start to minimizing your stress and anxiety.