Advice on Moving Forward for New Divorcees

 Posted on March 24, 2017 in Divorce

Your divorce is finally complete, and the stress from this major life change has settled down. Now what? Mental health and relationship experts agree that there are steps you can take after a divorce to get your life back together and live it to the fullest. If you are recently divorced, many professional recommend that you:

Avoid Over-Using Social Media in Lieu of Real Friendships

After your marriage has ended, you may be tempted to stay in the comfort of your home communicating via electronics instead of having real-life interactions. This is the time you need friends and family the most. Take your friend up on her offer to attend her book club or join your family for dinner. Getting out of the house and being social again will energize you and help you form new friendships separate from your ex-spouse.

Consider Going to Therapy

For some, the idea of seeing a therapist has a negative connotation. They may see it as a sign of weakness or do not understand the purpose of therapy. Having a safe, unbiased, professional individual with whom you can express your feelings and discuss your thoughts is extremely beneficial. By seeing a therapist after your divorce, you are able to mourn the loss of your marriage and work through the tough emotions that come with ending a relationship.

Rediscover Your Passions

After a divorce, you are likely to have a new sense of freedom. Perhaps you are sharing custody of your children and now have several nights a week to yourself. This is the perfect time to invest in yourself and your mental well-being by getting involved in activities that you enjoy. Did you play softball as a kid? Consider joining an adult league in the summer. You could also take up a new hobby or take an evening class at a local college about a subject that has always piqued your curiosity.

Forgive Your Ex

Forgiving is not about forgetting the things your ex-spouse did that hurt you. It is not about minimizing the pain caused by the end of the marriage. Forgiveness is a choice that an individual must often make in order to let go of bitterness and resentment toward another. Harboring hatred for your ex does not hurt him or her; it hurts you. Even if you were wronged, take the high road and mentally move on.

Get Active!

Did your physical health become a low priority when you were married? Now is a time that you can start to focus on your health again. According to the Mayo clinic, exercise releases endorphins and other feel-good chemicals which help fight off depression and anxiety. Regular exercise can dramatically improve the quality of your life. Furthermore, many individuals feel a sense of rejection after a divorce and may feel unattractive. An added benefit of hitting the gym or joining a fitness class is the confidence you gain as you get in shape.

Divorce Help

Getting over your divorce begins with getting through the process, and experienced DuPage County family law attorney can help you address all of the pertinent details. Call Pesce Law Group, P.C. at 630-352-2240 for a free consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/life-after-divorce

https://www.forbes.com/sites/emmajohnson/2015/02/09/relationship-advice-from-divorce-lawyers/