Going Through a Divorce? Here are Five Tips to Tame Your Stress!

Going through a divorce is easier said than done. While you may know deep down that this is the best course of action for you, it may still be painful to undergo such a drastic shift in your life. Additionally, you may have to deal with child custody/visitation concerns and lengthy conversations about asset distribution. There are, however, ways to keep your stress levels low during the divorce proceedings.

An experienced divorce attorney in Nassau County can help you get a smooth and stress-free divorce. They can offer suggestions for improving your mental wellbeing and navigating your divorce in a positive manner. Continue reading to learn the best ways to reduce stress during your divorce — and remember that your attorney has your back.

Recognize your triggers.

Recognizing your triggers is a critical first step toward reducing your stress during the divorce process. But simply saying that the source is the "divorce" is not clear enough to eliminate the stress. For example, are you feeling anxious about being alone? Is your ex-spouse being disrespectful? Are you fearful about how your life may change after your divorce? All of these triggers are natural when you are pulled from your routine — but identifying the source of your stress goes a long way toward eliminating it.

Allow your emotions to flow.

By clinging to your feelings, you will only exacerbate your suffering. As you experience intense emotions, make an effort to express them appropriately and healthy. Emotional tears, for example, have been shown to contain particularly high levels of stress hormones. Therefore, by crying and venting your emotions, you relieve your body of stress and anxiety. Additionally, allowing others to see your emotions informs them of your state of mind and need for support. Getting your blood pumping and body sweating with a hard workout also helps you eliminate pent-up emotions and negative thoughts. You can also put pen to paper and write your feelings as they come instead of burying them.

Avoid self-isolation.

It is only natural to feel alone during your divorce. Your life is taking a sharp turn right before your eyes — and there is nothing you can do to stop it. However, self-isolation will worsen your mental distress. Reaching out to friends and family can go a long way toward fostering a supportive environment. One way to avoid feelings of isolation is to plan when you will hang out with someone. This way, you will have regularly scheduled events to look forward to in your life. Furthermore, the people around you may provide suggestions that might help you process your emotions.

Consult a mental health professional.

If you have been having a hard time handling your divorce for a long time, it may be time to seek therapy from a Nassau County mental health specialist. They can help you identify the triggers for your emotions and offer tips and guidance to manage your stress. Other resources are available for those struggling with separation and divorce. For example, you can attend a therapist-led divorce support group. These groups allow you to release your emotions and contribute to your sense of comfort by showing you that you are not alone.

Communicate with your attorney.

Bear in mind that communication with your ex-spouse does not have to be all your responsibility. If talking with your ex makes you anxious, you should seek the counsel of an expert family court lawyer in Nassau County. They can help you navigate the nuances of your divorce, negotiating and representing you in front of your ex. This way, you avoid having to speak directly with your ex.

David L. Martin, Esq.​ has more than 33 years of experience in handling divorce and family law cases, with a great track record of winning cases.