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Yoga-stress divorce

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You’re trying to look at the rainbow on the other side of a rough road. You are trying to tell yourself that when the dust settles on this divorce, you can live a life that’s happier and truer to yourself. But it’s challenging to remain serene when so much of your world appears to be crumbling around you. And to exacerbate the situation, the legal side of the process exacts its mental toll.

Let’s be frank: divorces are stressful. They are high-wire acts involving big emotions, big confrontations and a stack of tough-looking paperwork.

But take a deep breath and a small step back. With some help and self-care, you will make it through in one piece. Below, explore straightforward strategies for managing and mitigating stress during a divorce.

Find an Empathetic, Holistic Divorce Lawyer

The first step in your journey toward a stress-free (or stress-light, more accurately) divorce is to contact an empathetic legal expert.

Look for a law firm emphasizing “holistic law” or “collaborative law,” meaning they consider everyone’s emotions and best interests throughout the divorce process. In particular, collaborative family law can save a lot of anxiety; essentially, collaborative family law aims to avoid the stressful environment of a courtroom by building amicable, fair solutions that work for both parties. Moreover, if the complexities of custody decisions add stress to an already emotional time, seeking guidance from a compassionate joint custody attorney can provide the support and legal expertise you need to protect your interests and find a smoother path forward.

Lean on Friends and Family

Losing a relationship – even a relationship that’s lost its spark – can feel like there’s a void at the center of your life. That’s natural.

But remember, your life still has a loving center. It’s a center populated by friends, family, acquaintances and even co-workers. As you proceed through a divorce, lean on these caring presences for whatever you might need – whether it’s a sympathetic ear, a temporary distraction or maybe a fun night on the town.

Tend to Your Basic Needs: Sleep, Diet and Activity

Ever heard of the mind-body connection? Essentially, it’s a medical notion that demonstrates a very real, very intimate relationship between your physical and mental health. All that said, if you want to remove stress from your divorce (or your life in general), focus on your physical well-being.

Are you getting consistent, sufficient sleep? Are you eating a balanced diet of vegetables, healthy fats and proteins? And are you keeping your body moving with brisk runs, contemplative walks, mindful yoga sessions or socially rich team sports activities? These basic physical health principles have each been shown to mitigate stress.

Consider a Therapist or Counsellor

You don’t have to go it alone. Nor do you have to worry about burdening your loved ones with the full weight of your emotions. Seeing a therapist or counsellor is an incredibly common, thoroughly destigmatized way to work through complex feelings.

Look for a therapist or counsellor with experience in divorce. They can help you parse negative emotions, practice meaningful stress-reduction strategies and focus on the positive aspects ahead.

Whether your divorce was a personal decision or a decision imposed on you by an ex-partner, you’ll find that there’s a lot of good coming down the pike. Follow these stress management tips to ensure the road toward your new life is smooth and constructive.


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