Remember to Breath: Taking Care of Yourself During a Divorce

Divorce is a difficult decision, and it is one that leaves many impending problems in its wake.  It is important to consider the repercussions on your family, your finances, and your estate.  But there is another thing to consider, that can often fall by the wayside when dealing with such an emotionally-wrought decision: YOU and your health.

When facing a divorce, you have a lot on your plate.  You are dealing with the end of your marriage, which can take its toll.  On top of that, you must consider financial arrangements, children, and your estate plan.  And this is if the split is amicable, which of course we know is not always the case and can add another painful and difficult layer to the already upsetting process.

Yet, while you are worrying about the people around you, make sure to include yourself on that list.  A recent article by Carolyn Gregoire at The Huffington Post looks at how divorce can negatively impact your health.  The article lists seven afflictions to pay mind to, some obvious and some that you may not have originally thought of.

“Chronic stress” may seem like a given, with all of the emotions running rampant on top of the financial and legal responsibilities.  It’s considered “chronic” because it is not a one-time thing – divorce can often be a lengthy process that starts long before the papers are filed and ends long after the ink is dry.

According to the article, along with stress comes difficulty sleeping, and this can perpetuate an unhealthy cycle.  Stress prompts an inability to sleep, and an inability to sleep only serves to increase stress and the issues that arise from it.  Try to stay on a routine sleep schedule, and get as close to eight hours of sleep per night; the more regular your routine is, the easier it will be to follow and the less stress it will bring during your waking hours.

While stress and sleep trouble seem like well-worn territory during any time of emotional crisis, there are more physical symptoms that you should be aware of when facing a divorce.  Also connected to stress, the weakening of your immune system is a real concern, and one you may not initially consider.  This can range from a susceptibility to colds and the flu to more serious autoimmune diseases.

Depression can also be a factor in weakening your immune system, and, according to the article, it is also another serious ailment to consider when facing a divorce.  It is one thing to feel saddened by the divorce, after all the ending of your marriage is an incomparable loss.  Yet, be mindful if these feelings of sadness begin to border on a more serious depression.  When going through any big life change, it can often be a good idea to talk about it with someone who can help – and if depression becomes an issue, this is even more important.

Other issues the article points to are digestive problems and weight gain.  The physiological issues are also connected to stress, making it one of the first and most important factors to consider when approaching a separation.  Make sure to take time to relax – as loaded as that statement may seem amid a divorce.  Even if it’s only a few minutes a day, take a walk, meditate or listen to music, anything to slow down and make a solid attempt at relaxation.

At Fields and Dennis, we know how overwhelming divorce can be, and how each situation can involve unique complications.  We are here to make the legal aspect a little easier, and guide you through the financial and legal decisions that are a part of every divorce. We know that you have people who count on you, who are impacted by these decisions, and it can be a lot to deal with. But remember, before you can take care of anyone else, you have to take care of yourself.