Life after Divorce: Tips for Maintaining Balance after the Split

 Posted on November 14, 2016 in Divorce

Maintaining balance and ensuring a healthy lifestyle following divorce has been and continues to be a difficult challenge for many spouses as they undergo the separation process. Divorce is a multi-faceted emotional journey, affecting every part of our lives, and often impacts our children, social lives, and work lifestyles in significant measure.

While there have been many varying opinions from psychologists regarding the best ways to maintain balance and stay well following a divorce, one common theme seems to string all these theories together: Creating balance after a split requires deliberate focus and practice. Here are three practical tips for both creating and sustaining a healthy life balance once your marriage is over:

1. Keep up with your normal routine - People often find themselves in need of some time off after their divorce due to the emotional distress. Divorce undoubtedly takes a big mental toll on everyone involved, but some mental health experts actually endorse continuing your usual activities and routines, including your work schedule. Other experts feel that because divorce is a loss, we understandably grieve that loss, which fuels the need - and desire - to take a break from work, social obligations, and hobbies. However you decide to recover from your separation, it is helpful to scale certain activities back without giving up your routines entirely. Attempt to find a happy medium and you have a better chance at achieving balance you can sustain long-term.

2. Make adjustments in the workplace - Just because you decide to minimize the time you take off from work after your divorce or completely bypass taking time off does not mean you cannot benefit from making adjustments in the workplace once your marriage is over. In fact, making certain adjustments may help you achieve much-needed post-divorce balance in other areas of your life, like your relationship with your children or with your physical health. It does not hurt to speak with your managers about potential scheduling changes, such as switching from morning shifts to evening shifts or telecommuting from home for a while, instead of quitting entirely or taking a prolonged period of time off. The key is to attempt adjustments at the office that will enhance the quality of your life after your divorce and ultimately create a healthier balance in your life as a whole.

3. Make quality time priority - Quality time with yourself, your kids, and other family members is key in creating a healthy life balance after an emotionally draining separation. Simple things can make a huge difference, such as sharing a meal with your children or treating yourself to a relaxing night in with your favorite movie. Make quality time just as much of a priority - and a routine - as your exercise routine or getting to work on time. When you do not neglect self-care, you will find more peace and a sense of stability in your life, which you really need following a separation.

If you are about to embark on the divorce process, speak with a knowledgeable Kane County divorce attorney who can help you move through the technicalities of the process while you begin preparing for the psychological aspects that come with the transition. Protect your best interests by calling Shaw Sanders, P.C. today at 630-584-5550 and ask for a personal consultation.

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicole-h-sodoma/work-life-balance-after-divorce_b_4384680.html

http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/31/personal-time-off-relationship-work-forbes-woman-time-break-up.html