MyDivorcePapers Blog

Divorce is tough. It can be incredibly stressful, depressing, and exhausting. After it’s all said and done, you’re left with a wide range of feelings that can be difficult to deal with. Relief, fear, loneliness, depression, and nervousness are only some of the emotional consequences of divorce.

 

The important thing to remember is that what you feel right now after your divorce is not forever. This too shall pass! Not only will you overcome this difficult time, you have the ability to restart your life and redefine yourself after divorce. This is a great opportunity to live the life you always wanted to live. Here are some great tips to not let divorce affect your future.

 

1. Let yourself grieve. According to online health and wellness journal Lifescript, “The breakup of a marriage is like a death, so it’s natural to mourn the life and lifestyle you’ve lost-even if you wanted the split.” In other words, change is difficult. A divorce is a huge change, and you have a right to grieve and heal in the manner you see fit.

 

2. Lean on friends. Find new friends who understand what you’re going through. There are plenty of divorce support groups full of people who are dealing with the same mixed bag of emotions you are. Of course, continue to spend time with family and old friends in your life. It will alleviate your loneliness and strengthen your ability to heal.

 

3. Find a new hobby. One of the best habits to form for a happier life after divorce is picking up new hobbies and interests. Perhaps there were things you always wanted to try when you were married, but never got around to doing them. Or maybe you really need to lose a few pounds, and are interested in taking a yoga class at the gym. Try different activities and find one you like.

 

4. Get your priorities straight. The Chicago Tribune argues that coming up with fresh, new, clear cut objectives will help you restart your life after divorce. They explain, “We all make sacrifices in marriage-and we should. But did you make really big ones that you can now revisit? Do you want to go back to school or become a writer or go to church every Sunday? Things maybe your ex- spouse wasn’t supportive of? In some ways it’s an opportunity for reinvention.”

Start figuring out what you want to do with your life. Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you want to be financially independent? Go back to school? Learn a new trade? Become more involved in the community? Whatever it is, the world is your oyster.

 

5. Have fun. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? You would be surprised at how hard it is for some people to have a good time after divorce. Learning how to bounce back after divorce includes learning how to have fun in life. Watch funny movies with friends. Go on a day trip with your children to the zoo. Go on a blind date, just to know that you can do it. Plan a trip with a close friend and start saving now so you can have a blast once you get there. There are so many ways to enjoy life. Divorce doesn’t have to leave you depressed and unhappy forever. Having a good time will speed up the healing process.

 

It’s all up to you. You can decide how to reignite the fireworks in your life after divorce. Be compassionate with yourself, and recognize that it will take time to get used to your new life. However, if you follow these 5 guidelines, you will find yourself living the life you always wanted. What are you waiting for? Start being the person you know you can be.

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