If you have recently decided to separate from your spouse, it is natural to feel a deep loss about the end of your marriage. Along with this sadness, many people experience fear and anxiety about the future. This may be especially true if you have seen a friend, neighbor or family member struggle after divorcing his or her spouse.
Try these strategies to create a sense of hope and positivity in your life after a divorce.
Care for yourself
Self-care does not need to take the form of elaborate routines and expensive spa days. Taking just 30 minutes a day to do something you enjoy can boost your spirits and help you recharge.
Pursue therapy
Even if you have never worked with a therapist before, talking to a professional can help you cope with the array of emotions that arise after a divorce. He or she can also help you develop strategies to work toward future goals, whether that means going back to school, losing weight or moving to a new home.
Connect with friends
If you lost touch with old friends during your marriage, take this opportunity to reach out. You can also join special-interest groups and clubs in your area to meet new people if you want to bolster your social circle. Even coffee or a phone date with a friend once a week can help combat the loneliness that sometimes creeps in after a divorce.
Moving forward after divorce can seem daunting. Start with these three steps to begin building a happy, healthy, independent life.