The divorce process may be one of the most stressful events a person can experience. As you may have heard before, stress can take a significant toll on the body, both mentally and physically. Taking care of yourself is one of the most important steps you can take during and after divorce. Below are three tips to get you started.
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Hobbies and Habits
If you find yourself using all of your time focusing your current circumstances, it may be time to invest that energy into a new hobby or interest. While some nights you may want to stay home and relax, it is essential to learn something new, whether it be an artistic hobby like painting, playing a musical instrument or learning a new sport. Studies have shown that exercise may help manage stress levels due to a rise in endorphins [i]. A surge in endorphins has also shown to improve quality of sleep and reduce overall tension. Even just five minutes of physical activity can have a powerful impact on your overall wellbeing.
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Make Sure. You Have a Good Support System in Place.
Talking to a trusted friend or your therapist can be a tremendously useful tool for self-care. Research shows that talk therapy can rewire the brain and help show significant improvement with emotional wounds [ii]. A highly trained and experienced therapist can help you learn coping mechanisms to handle stress and anxiety that can arise during a Massachusetts divorce and co-parenting scenarios. Additionally, seeing a therapist or engaging in group therapy may help by teaching you coping mechanisms. Attending group therapy may be comforting, knowing there are others who are dealing with similar issues.
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Reflect on the Past, but Focus on the Future.
At Mavrides Law, we believe that Divorce is About the Future, Not the Past. Throughout a divorce, you may experience overwhelming emotions, second thoughts, and the weighing of pros and cons. The feelings that surface during a divorce are often enough to make anyone feel immense pressure. Therefore, it is important to remember the that although your former relationship is over, there is much to look forward to in the future.
Spend time focusing on who you want to be in this next phase of your life. To do this, try to get back to the roots of who you are. Think about what you like to do; what your favorite music is, what movies you love, what you genuinely enjoy doing. Try to envision your goals for the next two years, five years and ten years. Doing so may help you find the clarity that you need at this moment.
Remember: divorce is about the future, not the past. Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge where you are now and what your goals are. Your future depends on how you recognize the present.
[i] https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st
[ii] https://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2014/06/03/11-intriguing-reasons-to-give-talk-therapy-a-try/#52c40f74ebbb
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To speak with a lawyer about Massachusetts divorce, paternity, or child custody matter, contact Mavrides Law in Boston, Newton, or Wellesley, MA. To schedule an in-depth initial consultation, call 617-723-9900 or contact the firm at info@mavrideslaw.com
