Tips for a Healthy Divorce

Going through a divorce can be rough on your health both physically and emotionally. The emotional aspects of losing a relationship that you once valued can lead to high blood pressure, headaches and overall exhaustion.

Below are tips to help keep you healthy during this difficult time:

1. Get plenty of rest.
2. Increase fluids and stay hydrated.
3. Take some personal time to relax away from the stressors. Read a book, go for a walk, exercise, or go to a movie.
4. Talk about what you’re going through with family, friends or a professional.
5. Attend a support group.
6. Remove blame from the situation.
7. Try not to think of the break up as a battle.
8. Sitting down and speaking with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse may be the last thing you want to do, but cooperation and communication make divorce healthier for everyone involved.
9. Don’t write out points you want to discuss while you are angry.
10. Enroll in a yoga class to learn relaxation techniques.

Losing a relationship is similar to a death in the family. Allow yourself time to go through the grieving process. If you have children, allow them time to go through the grieving process. Encourage them to talk about their feelings. Let them know that even though both parents will be in separate homes, the love and support will still continue.

Keep in mind these important points:

1. Sit down together to tell the children about the divorce. Make it clear that the divorce isn’t because of anything they did.
2. Keep the conflict away from the kids.
3. Keep the lines of communication open.
4. Give children at least two weeks’ notice before moving them to a new home.
5. It can take up to two years for a child to accept divorce or even a new person in their parents’ life.

To stay positive as you start a new chapter, try getting involved in activities you used to love but haven’t done in a while. Or try new hobbies and activities. Above all, know that there is no shame in getting professional help.

Written By: Michele Sfakianos

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About the Author:

Michele Sfakianos is a Registered Nurse, Leading Authority on Parenting, and Award-winning Author of The 4-1-1 on Life Skills; The 4-1-1 on Step Parenting; and The 4-1-1 on Surviving Teenhood.