The breakdown of a marriage can be one of the most difficult experiences in a person’s life. It can be emotionally draining, financially stressful, and time-consuming. During this time, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and healing to move forward positively. In this article, we will explore the different ways to put yourself first in the early days of divorce, helping you to prioritize self-care and healing.
Commit to Self-Discovery
Many people report feeling lost following the breakdown of a relationship. This feeling can be more intense if the relationship was long-term, sharing homes, children, or even pets.
It’s normal to be confused about who you are now, as a divorcee. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they’ll just go back to their single life, with the same old friends, the same hobbies and passions, and the same outlook or opinions. But during a relationship, we change. We grow and evolve, and our experiences change us. You won’t be the same as you were in your marriage, but you probably won’t be the same person you were before it either.
Take some time to get to know yourself, and don’t be worried to find that you’ve changed significantly.
Give Your Career Some Attention
Your career and your ambitions might have changed during your marriage. If you had or were planning children, you may have taken a step back. On the other hand, having a partner might have meant that you were able to devote more time to certain areas of your career, and alterations need to be made going forward.
Either way, you should give your career some attention following this big change in your life. Think about what you want from your career, both short and long-term, whether this is growing your audiologist business with help from resources like this one: phonak.com/en-us/professionals/become-a-partner or pivoting to something different.
Make Some Plans
However you feel at the end of your marriage, having plans is a good idea. Plans give us things to look forward to and get excited about. Things like holidays can be very exciting, but even plans for dinners with friends, or walks out on your own can be helpful while you are moving on.
Let Yourself Grieve
The process of divorce is often accompanied by intense emotions, such as anger, sadness, and fear. It is essential to acknowledge and validate your emotions, as they are a natural part of the grieving process. Allow yourself to feel all your emotions and give yourself permission to cry and scream if needed.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
During this difficult time, it is crucial to surround yourself with people who love you. These people can provide emotional support and a kind ear when you need it the most. If you find it challenging to talk to friends or family, consider seeing a therapist who can provide you with objective support and guidance.
If you find that you’ve lost friends you shared with your partner, try joining local groups or things like exercise classes to connect to new people and don’t be scared to reach out to friends you maybe haven’t given enough time to in the last few years.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
During a divorce, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself physically, especially if you have children you are trying to put first. It is essential to prioritize your physical health by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. By taking care of your physical health, you are giving your body the tools it needs to cope with emotional stress.
Focus on Your Hobbies and Interests
Divorce can leave a significant void in your life. Most people lose much more than their partner, and many people actually find the loss of other friends and family and shared interests more difficult to come to terms with.
To fill this void, consider focusing on your hobbies and interests. Engaging in activities that you enjoy can help distract you from the pain and allow you to experience moments of joy. It’s also a great chance to try new hobbies and reconnect with interests that you perhaps didn’t give enough time to during your relationship.
Enjoy an Opportunity to Grow
Divorce can be an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Take time to reflect on your life, your goals, and what you want for your future. Ask yourself, “What did I learn from this experience?” and “What changes can I make to improve my life moving forward?”.
This is a great time to set yourself some goals and start looking forward to the future, both at work and in your personal life.
Putting yourself first in the early days of divorce is a crucial step towards healing and moving forward. By taking the time to prioritize your healing and growth, you can set the stage for a brighter future. Remember, divorce is a process, and it’s okay to take it one day at a time.
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