The end of your marriage and subsequently finding yourself struggling through a divorce can be one of the most emotionally taxing and stressful experiences in your life.
Whether this is a result of differences in personality, infidelity or simply falling out of love, a divorce can produce painful memories and send your emotions reeling. Losing a relationship that you may have spent years cultivating can leave feelings of loneliness and isolation and feelings of uncertainty about the future.
However, there are many things you can do to cope with this extraordinarily difficult time and help you move towards the future with newfound optimism.
Acknowledge your emotions.
Feelings of intense sadness, exhaustion, frustration, and anger are completely normal as well as feelings of doubt and anxiousness towards an uncertain future. Leaving the routine and comfort you’ve known for years and entering into the unknown can be frightening. The first step towards regaining that sense of optimism towards the future is to accept these emotions and gradually, with time, learn to let them go.
Take time for yourself.
It’s okay to not be at your best functioning shape during this period, so don’t beat yourself up too much when you find your energy levels low and feel like you are not doing enough. Productivity levels may be at their lowest, and sociability even more so. Give yourself time. Time to recover, to heal and to find that enthusiasm once again. This can be by spending more time with trusted friends, reconnect with nature and explore your local parks, spend a little more time on self-care like bubble baths and a massage, or simply taking time off to enjoy the little things like spending the whole day in a café people-watching.
Don’t isolate yourself.
When you’re feeling low it’s easy to isolate yourself. Know that you do not have to go through this difficult time by yourself. Confiding with your friends and family can help you gain more perspective of the situation and simply talking about your feelings can give you a clearer sense of how you feel, what you think.
Even if you find it difficult to talk about your situation and how you feel, try to find a way to talk or a way to share your feelings, whether this is by joining support groups, talking to family and friends or simply writing in a journal. That way you are not keeping them all bottled up inside.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Isolation will simply increase your stress levels and will not do anything to help your situation. The main thing to keep in mind is that you must not be afraid to reach out if you feel that you need it.
During a difficult time, one of the things that may lead to feelings of isolation and fear is that sense of loss of support. The most important thing is that you find a place where you can feel comfortable and safe enough to share and discuss your situation and your feelings. Consider joining a support group where you can talk about what you are going through, in a safe environment with people who may have gone through similar experiences as you have.
When it comes to the financial matters that come with divorce, it is best to consult a professional for advice and guidance on how to approach this part of the process, and you can find solicitors in Slough with a simple click of a button. With the stress that comes with divorce, you may need all the help and guidance to help ease the burden. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Meet new people.
Feelings of loss and isolation can be solved by meeting new people. Whether this is through joining clubs, taking a course, getting involved with your local community or volunteering with your local charities, cultivating new friendships will not only mean you are getting more involved with your community but can also give you a new sense of purpose and reignite that enthusiasm.
Separation can be one of the most difficult times in your life, but by doing certain things, you can ease feelings of loss and isolation and help the transition towards a brighter future.