Divorce is a time of significant changes and adjustments for both spouses and their children. When an event like this disrupts your life, the aftermath can be stressful and overwhelming. Property division, alimony, child custody, and more are all major decisions that need to be made during the same time that you are likely moving out and adjusting to a new reality. Continue reading for helpful information on how to handle stress during your divorce and speak with a Shelby County, Tennessee divorce lawyer for skilled legal assistance in your case.
How Should I Handle Stress During My Divorce?
Dealing with stress during a divorce is not easy but it is necessary in order to get through the process and ensure your rights are protected. Consider the following helpful hints to handle your stress.
- Avoid conflict: While some couples have a drama-free divorce, others may be volatile and contentious. If your relationship with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse is hostile, avoid getting into fights if possible. Only communicate if it is necessary and try to keep things civil. Remove yourself from a situation if it evolves into a nasty fight to avoid additional stress.
- Ask for help: Dealing with a divorce is no easy feat, especially while trying to balance your work, children, social activities, and everyday life. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Lean on your friends and family for support, whether you need help with school pickup or just a listening ear.
- Focus on your health: Stress relief is important for both your physical and mental health. Try to get your thoughts out by journaling or speaking with a counselor. It can be beneficial to voice your anxiety and fears and make it easier to work through and address your thoughts. Physical health should be a major priority during this time too as you need to be your best self for yourself and your children. Focus on fueling your body with nutritious foods, getting adequate sleep, meditation, and exercise. Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress.
- Hire legal counsel: A major source of stress is the actual legal proceedings. Depending on the details of your situation the divorce process can be extremely complex. You may have a substantial amount of paperwork and legal processes to comply with which can be overwhelming. Obtain help from an experienced attorney who can relieve you of your legal duties and help guide you through the process.
- Try an ADR: ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) methods can also alleviate some stressful situations like going to court. Through mediation or collaborative divorce, you can avoid the anxiety of appearing in a trial and litigation. Handling the details of your divorce privately and on your own terms will help you avoid the stress of going to court.
It is impossible to avoid all stress during a divorce, but having the tools to cope can make the process easier.
