Even if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are on good terms, the end of your marriage may cause you some stress. In fact, on the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, the scale psychologists use to measure stressful events, divorce ranks second only to the death of a close loved one. Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
While the passage of time may improve your stress and other divorce-related emotions, such as anger or sadness, you can take control of your mental health. Here are four tips that may help you move on after your divorce.
1. Focus on your finances
Even if your divorce left you with half of your marital estate and monthly spousal support, you may have some difficulty adjusting to a single income. To ensure your post-divorce finances remain in order, you may want to review your credit report. Preparing a budget and sticking to it may also help you build a solid financial future.
2. Do what you enjoy
In the final stages of an unhappy marriage and during divorce proceedings, it can be tempting to neglect hobbies and other interests. Now that your divorce is over, you may want to jump back into what you enjoy. Joining social groups or taking up new activities may also help you move on with your life.
3. Get some exercise
Physical exercise is a great way to alleviate stress, fight obesity and combat illness. Consequently, you may want to join a gym, enroll in a spin class, take a hike or just get some fresh air regularly.
4. Focus on your kids
If you are struggling to move on after your divorce, your kids may be having trouble too. Staying engaged with your children’s education, extracurricular pursuits and other interests may keep your mind busy.
Ultimately, everyone moves on from divorce a bit differently. Whether your journey takes weeks or years, working on yourself ensures you end up in a better place than where you started.