9 Coping Tips for Women Going Through a Divorce

Regardless of the circumstances or reasons leading to a divorce, a marriage breakup is often difficult and emotionally overwhelming for both parties, especially if the parting couple has children.

For women currently going through a divorce, find 9 coping tips to help you be at your very best and overcome this often traumatic time…

1. Acknowledge and share your feelings. Refrain from resorting to constant isolation or fighting your feelings. You’re likely hurt, sad, confused, feel an uncertain future looming ahead, worry about raising the children alone, if there’ll ever be another man in your life or you’ll find happiness again, and so on. Acknowledge those intense feelings, share them with close family and friends and write about them in your diary. Find support groups online and in your place of worship as well, and you’ll find as time goes on, letting off the steam and having the needed support make you start feeling relieved and optimistic again.

2. Take a short break. A week away from work and caring for the kids may help relieve your stress, enable you clear your head, re-strategize, rejuvenate, make you more productive at work and ready to take on your new life.

You may arrange to have your kids stay with your mum or a close relative they are very fond of while you take your lone vacay. Make sure this doesn’t cut a hole in your pocket by sticking to what’s truly affordable.

3. Explain to your children. If you have children, there’s need to explain to them that mummy and daddy are no longer together and will no longer live in the same home with them. How much you spill to them about the situation depends on their age, so give only information that their level of maturity can properly process. Let them know the changes your divorce will bring, including visit routines. Preferably, you and their dad should have this important talk with them at the same time, reassuring them of your love.

Getting your children to understand that you’ll both be there for them always regardless and have their best interests at heart may make them deal with the news better and be more cooperative as they start living with you without their dad. This will in turn help minimize meltdowns or tantrums that may increase your anxiety, frustration and hurt.

READ ALSO: 10 Coping Tips for Every Single Mum

4. Get a hold of your finances. If your ex will be supporting or footing your children’s bills, super! If not, you need to plan how to sort out the bills, generate more income by discovering more ways to empower yourself and see you’ll need to source for some help from family and close friends.

Even if you’re very buoyant, there’s equally need to plan and see how you save up by cutting back on unimportant expenses, luxury goods or frivolities.

5. A healthy lifestyle. Take time to take good care of yourself, eat a healthy diet and exercise. These will contribute to your overall wellness. Avoid resorting to taking drugs, alcohol or forming other bad habits to make you conceal or forget your pains and worries.

6. A new hobby. Find joy and fun in doing something you’re very passionate about. Exploring new interests and activities will give you a new sense of fulfillment and make you dwell less on the past.

READ ALSO: 5 Tips On Coping With Your Marriage After Infidelity

7. Spend lots of quality time with those you love. Surrounding yourself regularly with friends, family, your children and others that sincerely love and support you, will create lots of positive vibes, reminding you of the several other reasons you have cause to smile. Try to cultivate genuine new friendships as well.

8. Seek professional help. If you find yourself constantly gloomy, lack the drive to forge ahead or keeping feeling like the world is crashing on you even after several months of separation, seek professional counselling immediately. Giving in to depression is the very last thing you and your beloved children need.

9. Let yourself dream again. As you let go of the future you once looked forward to with your ex, try to build fresh future hopes and aspirations for yourself. Keep reminding yourself there’s still a fulfilling future ahead, even without that man who once made your world go round, and be determined to take it by storm.