How can you protect your health following a divorce?

Divorce is one of the most stressful and difficult life events. While it may benefit you in the long run, it can also negatively impact your physical and mental health.

You may not experience the loss until the divorce finalizes when you can no longer busy yourself with the divorce process. Before moving forward, you must accept the divorce and focus on becoming a healthy version of yourself.

Divorce can wreak havoc on your health

Divorce is inherently stressful. Unfortunately, when you put yourself through constant stress, the stress can manifest as depression and anxiety. You may struggle to adapt to your new life as you finalize the divorce.

Poor mental health also affects your physical health. For example, if you experience chronic anxiety, you may find it difficult to sleep, eat or care for yourself. It may become difficult for you to focus on work or your personal life.

Caring for yourself can alleviate the impact of your divorce

Give yourself time to heal. Allow yourself to feel what you need to, but also reach out to your support system for help. Focus on ways to improve your health, like diet and exercise. Accepting that relationships can change and that you have control over a fresh new start can help you cope with the end of your relationship and live healthily.

If you have children with your former partner, find ways to communicate without arguments. The more collaborative you can be, the easier your co-parenting journey will be. For some parents, using email or text can make it easier to discuss parenting obligations.