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How to Cope With Divorce: 15 Tips for Dealing With Stress

Apr 27, 2021 | Divorce


Getting a divorce is one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. The emotional and mental toll of such a process can be incredibly draining and people might be affected in different ways. Sometimes, tools are needed to learn how to cope with divorce and there are different strategies that can be implemented to deal with the stress felt during this process.

 

How to Cope With Divorce: 15 Tips for Dealing With Stress

1. Accept Your Feelings

During this time you might feel like you are on a rollercoaster of emotions, which can be incredibly exhausting. There are many things that might be going through your mind and with them, feelings of sadness, frustration, anger, and anxiety come along.

It is okay to feel whatever it is that you are feeling and it is important that you allow yourself to grieve. Keep in mind that as you allow yourself to feel, the intensity of these emotions will decrease as you let yourself process.

 

2. Work through Your Emotions

You don’t have to do it alone. If you are feeling especially overwhelmed, you want to understand what is happening, or you simply want someone to talk to, you could contact a therapist or counselor.

This can become a sacred part of your week in which you put your many responsibilities aside and connect with an expert that can lend you their support and provide pertinent advice.  

 

3. Get Support

Talking to your friends or close family can be very helpful during this time. It allows you to have someone to rely on and to express your feelings. If you keep yourself away from everyone, your stress levels will go through the rough! 

In addition, you can also join support groups for people going through a divorce. Having someone to relate to and who knows what you’re going through can be very helpful. 

 

4. Be Kind to Yourself

You don’t have to be at your best while you are going through a divorce. It is okay if you have to take a bit of a break or take things slowly at work during this time. Try to cut yourself some slack wherever you can and make things easier for you.


You do not need to add more stress to your life if you can help it. Healing should be one of your main priorities and it is what will eventually allow you to get back to your best version. 

 

5. Don’t Explain if You Don’t Want To

You don’t owe an explanation to anyone. People might enquire about your divorce but that does not mean you have to provide full explanations to everyone who does. You can be as open or as reserved with this as you want to. 

Even when you tell friends and family, you are not required to reveal all the intimate details of your relationship or what is happening. You have the power to choose how much you want to share. 

 

6. Don’t Overspend

Sometimes, people find themselves getting expensive new things or going on pricey trips alone or with the kids. This can be a way to compensate or to avoid what is happening, or simply to try to feel better.


While this is perfectly understandable, living on a one-person income is going to bring significant changes. Therefore, it is better to be cautious during this process to avoid adding more stress to your life with unnecessary debts. Be mindful of your large expenses during this time.

 

7. Stay Active

It has been scientifically proven that exercise has many mental health benefits. Staying active and doing your favorite workouts can be very helpful to improve your mood and dealing with anxiety.

Plus, it is a great way to relieve stress and release some of those feelings. Furthermore, you get to disconnect from the world for a little bit, which can help when it comes to negative thoughts and feelings of frustration. 

 

8. Make Your Decisions Wisely

Think twice about the decisions you make during this time. You are in a crisis and you might not have the best mindset when it comes to important life decisions. Therefore, it is better if you take your time and consider all the possible consequences before you act. 

 

9. Cultivate New Interests

Do you have some extra time now? Why not invest it in doing the things you like or that interest you? Allow yourself to explore new hobbies and activities and discover new experiences. 


This is also a big stress-reliever as you will be doing something different from work or dealing with divorce procedures. Your new activity can be very fulfilling and it will allow you to connect with yourself.

 

10. Avoid a Lengthy Divorce

A lengthy divorce is a terrible source of stress and it is going to affect your life for a long time. Try to keep things as amicable as possible and get the help of your legal team to find a way to make the divorce a short process. 

The longer it is, the more of your time and energy is going to take and it might keep you from moving on with your life. 

 

11. Find an Outlet for Your Thoughts

A great tool when it comes to how to cope with divorce is journaling or simply writing about your feelings. If you are more artistic, then maybe drawing or painting will help. These are great outlets to help you express your emotions in a unique and personal way.

 

12. Prioritize Your Tasks

Life does not stop because you are getting a divorce. You might have many responsibilities and there will be changes going on in your life as a consequence of the divorce. This is all going to add up and cause you more stress than ever.

By prioritizing your tasks from most essential to least important or urgent, you will be able to organize your time better. You might not have control over the entire situation, but you can take control of your schedule.

 

13. Make Your Own Space

Now that you are single again, there might be some responsibilities you will have to include in your life now. Plus, you will need to get your own space or make the house you used to share your own.

This is a great moment to declutter your space, which includes putting the photos of you two away and decorate to your taste. You do not have to make big expenses for this. Adding a couple of things with your personal touch can make the space feel different.

 

14. Try to Keep Things Positive

This difficult time will pass, like everything in life does. Try to focus on the positive things happening in your life and the changes that will lead to better things for you in the future.

 

15. Accept and Let Go

Accept that the relationship has ended and work through your pain. Only after you do this will you be able to truly let go and move on with your life, leaving this stressful time behind.


Surrounding yourself with support, participating in activities that you love, and connecting with your emotions are some ways to deal with the stress of this situation. Contact Skillern Firm to get the best legal advice and support during your divorce.