Divorce: Steps to Overcome

No one goes into a marriage expecting for it to end in divorce and with the pandemic we’ve been experiencing, divorce rates have increased world wide. Whether you’re the one who chose to walk away or the one who ended up on the short end of the stick, divorce is not an easy journey to navigate.

It’s important to really let yourself process the events that took place while also leaving yourself room to grieve over the life you once had, but this also leaves room for the bittersweet. You’re shedding old skin and walking into the freedom of the unknown. 

Here are some steps to get you going in the right direction as you traverse post-divorce life: 

1. Appreciate the Memories

No matter how things may have ended, memories are important and something to always hold dear to your heart because they play a big role in who we end up becoming. Regardless of how your partner has changed, those memories will not. Appreciate the moments you’ve had and release everything else. 

2. Get Moving

I know getting some steps in on the treadmill is probably the last thing on your to-do list, but exercising is a great happiness hack to get your brain to release some much needed serotonin. Whether it’s going on a run or even taking a cycling class, exercising is an instant mood booster. 

3. Practice Gratitude 

It’s hard to find the good when it feels like your world is falling apart, but I promise you that there’s gratitude to be found in even the darkest corners of your life. Everyday before you wake up and go to sleep, find 3 things to be grateful for and you’ll be surprised at how quickly your mindset changes. 

4. Self-Care 

Time to focus on yourself. Divorce is no walk in the park and it’s more important than ever to make yourself a priority. Choose happiness and be selfish - find the things that bring you joy and do that always. Life is short and there’s no time to waste! 

5. Get Support When You Need It

Even if you’ve always braved things alone, that doesn’t mean that you always have to. While healing isn’t linear, it’s important to lean on loved ones when you feel like you can’t continue. Release your emotions by talking to loved ones and you’ll find yourself ready to move on in no time. 

No one said divorce was easy, so it’s important to take the time you need and to really listen to what your body is telling you. You’re not alone and a million people have walked in your shoes and have persevered, and you’ll just be yet another success story. Just take it one step at a time.