No matter how necessary it may be and how it benefits you in the long run, divorce is a traumatic loss. Your body, mind, and soul react to it the same way that they would to any other trauma. This makes self-care to look after your general well-being during divorce absolutely essential.
During a divorce, it is important to take care of your finances and curb extravagant spending. Many people think of self-care in terms of shopping or spa trips.
However, it is possible to practice self-care by spending very little money.
9 Inexpensive Self-Care Tips for During Divorce
Seek the Help You Need
Sometimes you need the help of a professional to process everything that is happening to you during your divorce. This may mean consulting a counselor or an ADHD doctor online, perhaps even your primary care physician who can treat you if possible or refer you to someone else if necessary. Another way that you can find help is to join a support group. This allows you to talk about your struggles with people who are going through the same thing. Not only that, but by participating, you can provide help to others, which is a good way to raise your spirits and boost your self-esteem.
Get Exercise
Improving your physical health is also good for your mental and emotional health. Exercises such as swimming, running, or cycling, help to promote mental clarity and better sleep. Part of the reason is the release of endorphins, a type of chemical in the brain that works the same way as narcotics to improve mood and promote relaxation, but without the harmful effects. Choose an activity that you enjoy or that you can work into your busy schedule, e.g. dancing or walking up and down the stairs.
Spend Time With a Pet
When you start to doubt yourself, the unconditional love and trust of a pet can be restorative. Take your dog for a long walk or a trip to the dog park, arrange a special treat for your cat, or just set aside some time for an extended cuddle session.
Try a Journaling Exercise
Freewriting is an exercise in which you let your thoughts and feelings flow through your hand and onto the page without censoring yourself and without judging what you’ve written. Do this for at least five minutes every day. Getting your feelings out on paper makes them feel less overwhelming.
Explore a New Interest
If there is something that you’ve always wanted to do, your divorce may give you the opportunity to try it. Occupying your hands and your head with learning something new helps to distract you from problems related to your divorce, at least for a while.