It is difficult to prioritize your own health during times of stress, and divorce has the potential to be one of the most stressful periods of your life. At Woodford Sathappan McGee in Columbus, Ohio, we know that, along with having an experienced divorce lawyer for women, there are a number of ways that you can ensure that you come through your divorce healthy and ready for life afterward.
5 Ways Women Can Preserve Mental and Physical Health During Divorce
Have you ever noticed that when you’re physically unwell, your mental health can take a dip as well? That’s no coincidence! Though we often talk about physical and mental health as if the two relate to completely different subjects, to do this is to downplay the fact that these two things are fundamentally linked.
Though it may seem unfair that having a hard time mentally can result in physical problems, we can take comfort that efforts taken to improve mental health can have physical benefits, and vice versa. The following ways that women can protect their health may vary in focus, but all will act to support both physical and mental wellbeing.
Eat Healthy
Divorce can be a stressful process, and in times of stress, the body craves instant gratification from refined sugars and carbs. While take-out or junk food can be a nice treat sometimes, they can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health if they make up the majority of your diet.
Make sure that your body gets all the nutrients it needs to function. This will support your health and mean that you are better prepared to engage with life. Taking the time to feed yourself good food also benefits your mental health directly by reminding you that you are worth taking care of. If you struggle with knowing what to cook, there are a number of services that can help. Depending on what you need, you can have anything from recipe suggestions to weekly meal plans to fresh ingredients delivered straight to you.
Exercise Regularly
You knew we were going to say it, but it is still worth saying: regular exercise supports both your physical and mental health. Exercise causes the body to release endorphins, which improve mood and decrease stress, so even something as simple as going for a walk round a local park or following a yoga tutorial on YouTube can help you to feel better.
Any exercise is better than none at all, but it’s worth thinking about what you would actually enjoy. There may be a sport or active hobby you have always wanted to try; now is the perfect time to give it a go. Or, you may have played a team sport back in high school that you want to try again. If so, it may be possible to find a local group who play together for fun. If you don’t like to exercise alone, you may be able to find a friend who is willing to drag you out for a run or to the gym on the mornings that you don’t want to.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is important for body and mind. While sleeping, your body repairs cells and your brain removes toxins that build up while you’re awake. Not getting enough sleep doesn’t only make you tired and grouchy. It can lead to other negative consequences, like reduced immune function and weight gain. If you are having trouble sleeping because of stress from the divorce process, you may find it helpful to talk over your stress with a professional or consult a doctor.
See Friends and Family
Many women become withdrawn when divorcing, not wanting friends and family to see them during a time of distress. If you are the sort of person who usually tries to be there for others, it can be especially difficult to feel like you are not at your best. However, the support of loved ones is a really important part of staying well, and your friends and family will want to help you and be there for you.
Remember, you don’t have to tell everyone everything about what you are feeling and going through. Just don’t shut yourself off from your loved ones. While some will be those who you turn to for emotional support or a wise perspective, others may be more likely to chip in with practical help like watching your kids or helping with DIY tasks at home.
Get Professional Help
It is normal in life to get in professional help when we need it. Whether it’s a plumber when the pipes have gone awry, or a physical therapist to fix a strained muscle, hiring the right professional at the right time can make all the difference to our quality of life. It’s no different when it comes to our health during divorce.
Mental Help
It’s natural to lean on friends and family for support during a divorce, but it can also be helpful to consult a professional counselor or therapist. These professionals are confidential, so you don’t need to worry about sharing all your thoughts with them. They are also fully trained and equipped to help you process your feelings and give you strategies for moving through this time of your life and moving forward toward your future.
Physical Help
Divorce can be a time of taking stock of one’s situation, and for some women that will mean addressing health issues that have gone ignored for too long. Whether it is seeing a doctor about a health worry or hiring a personal trained to get you back in shape, now is the time to get the help that you need.
Domestic Help
Home tasks can get on top of you when you are in the middle of a divorce, but having a messy house can sap your energy and make it even more difficult to clear your living space. It’s nothing to be ashamed of to call in some external help to keep your home clean and tidy so that you can focus on the things that are most important at this time.
Legal Help From a Divorce Attorney for Women in Columbus, Ohio
The legal complexities of divorce can feel overwhelming, which is why you should hire an experienced attorney with whom you feel comfortable. Our firm specializes in representing women in their divorces, and our goal is to empower all women with the law and help them plan for life after divorce. Women come to us because they know we will do everything to uphold their rights and get them justice. As your lawyers, we will make sure that you know everything you need to know and will keep you informed of anything important happening with your case. With that in mind, you can rest easy, knowing that we, your advocates, are taking care of everything behind the scenes.
You can preserve your mental and physical health through the process of a divorce and come out the other side ready for a fulfilling and vibrant life. To find out more about our holistic approach to divorce or book a consultation, get in touch with us at Woodford Sathappan McGee in Columbus, OH.
