How To Manage Stress During Divorce

How To Manage Stress During DivorceNot surprisingly divorce can be a stressful event for most people. The following article looks at how to firstly recognise why you are stressed and then how to manage it.

How To Manage Stress During Divorce

By Rhiannon Ford July 23, 2013 via rhiannonford.co.uk

Relationship breakdown, involves a complex variety of issues. It is natural for you to feel stressed when you are going through divorce. The first steps to managing stress are:

1. Recognise that you are stressed

and then

2. Identify what in particular is causing you stress– e.g. money, the children, being alone, or all of the above

Once you know you are stressed and what the cause is, you can start to work out how to help yourself manage the stress. This may involve things you could do for yourself, or help you need to obtain from another source.

Signs You May Be Suffering From Stress

Long term stress can cause problems for both your physical and emotional body. Here are some signs that you may be suffering from stress;

  •  you have had a lot of illness in the last few months – e.g. lots of colds, upset stomachs, coldsores etc.
  • you are suffering from depression and/or anxiety
  • you are having trouble sleeping
  • you are over or under eating-loss of appetite or comfort eating
  • you are struggling to make decisions-even easy ones
  • you have brain fog-i.e. you are struggling to think clearly and process information

Related Article: Conflict management: you and your former partner

Top Stress Management Tips

During divorce there is a great deal going on. As well as the emotional turmoil of the breakdown of your marriage, you may well be also juggling children, your job, cash-flow issues etc. Here are my top stress management tips:

  1. Learn to take control over things you have control over, and let go of things beyond your control- I can help you identify the difference
  2. Allow yourself “time-out” from dealing with the things that are causing you stress – giving things space allows you to rest and gain perspective
  3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help– this can come in all sorts of ways-e.g. asking a friend to look after the kids whilst you go to yoga, or seeking professional help from a counsellor
  4. Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself, and likewise avoid spending time with people whose company you are not enjoying at the moment.
  5. Practise self- care -prioritising your needs and taking good care of yourself- e.g. good food, sleep and exercise.
  6. Don’t procrastinate with important things- not doing the things you know need to be done, can aggravate stress. Just doing them, may be less stressful than you think.
  7. Get a good divorce coach – I can provide emotional support and practical help with whatever is causing you stress, empowering you to feel more confident and in control.

For more articles please visit the Resolve Conflict Blog here. If you have any queries on Family Law or Mediation please don’t hesitate to contact us on 03 9620 0088 or email info@resolveconflict.com.au

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