Stress is, unfortunately, commonplace in daily life. When we are students, we stress about schoolwork and the future. When we enter the workforce, we stress about bills and family matters.
Then, certain events can add to that daily stress. For example, the Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory indicates that divorce is the second-most stressful life event. Marital separation falls third on the list. Significant and long-term stress can have a considerable impact on your physical health, and potentially lead to health conditions like diabetes, according to Mayo Clinic.
So, what can you do to manage or even reduce the stress you experience during the divorce process?
Consider how you approach the process
The personal and emotional matters of ending a marriage are overwhelming in and of themselves. Any amount of conflict between spouses can often only increase the stress of the situation – even more so if that conflict leads to North Carolina family court.
However, there are other ways you can handle the divorce. Mediation gives you more control over the process, while keeping matters private. It also gives you the opportunity to focus on taking care of yourself during this time.
Evaluate your daily life
With many matters to address in your divorce, it is easy for it to take up most of your time. So, your life may feel far from normal at the moment.
This can exacerbate the feelings of stress. Therefore, it is important to make time in your daily life to:
- Prioritize your physical health, such as through exercise or healthy eating
- Get proper rest each night
- Make sure you still have time for fun, whether with friends or engaging in hobbies
Self-care is not something to overlook during times of stress. It may seem more like a chore to make time for these things when you are stressed, but they are critical in staying healthy.
Observe how stress impacts you
Understanding how stress manifests or affects your mind is the first step to effectively managing it. Consider the following questions regarding the divorce process:
- When do you feel the most stressed?
- What issues induce stress?
You may not be able to avoid these triggers as you navigate divorce. However, being aware of when and how stress affects you the most can help you be proactive in taking care of yourself.
A divorce can have a significant impact on your life – but so can prolonged stress. As you go through this stressful process, it is important to always be mindful of your mental and emotional health, so it does not end up impacting your physical health.