Divorce can feel like the emotional equivalent of a category-five hurricane. It doesn’t just disrupt your living arrangements, finances, and routines—it can shake the very foundation of your identity. Amid the paperwork and emotional fallout, many people forget to do one critical thing: take care of themselves.
If you’re going through or recovering from a divorce, know this—you can emerge from it stronger, healthier, and more grounded than ever. At Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C., we’ve helped thousands navigate the legal aspects of divorce, and we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental health throughout the process.
Here’s how to protect—and even improve—your health and wellness after divorce.
1. Prioritize Your Physical Health
It’s common for people to lose or gain weight during divorce—not because of healthy lifestyle changes, but because of stress. Some people forget to eat altogether; others self-soothe with comfort food. Sleep suffers, exercise routines vanish, and before long, even climbing a flight of stairs can feel like a chore.
But this doesn’t have to be your story.
Instead, use this transition as motivation to move your body. Whether it’s a power walk, yoga class, or hitting the gym, physical movement can regulate stress hormones and boost your energy. Exercise isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about reclaiming control and rebuilding strength, inside and out.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re feeling stuck, try scheduling your workouts first thing in the morning. It’s one of the few things you can control right now—and it sets the tone for your entire day.
2. Build a Supportive Wellness Team
You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, you shouldn’t. One of the most effective ways to protect your well-being during divorce is to build a personal wellness team.
Here’s what that might include:
- Therapist: A licensed professional can help you process grief, navigate complex emotions, and begin rebuilding your identity.
- Certified Coach: If a therapist helps you heal the past, a coach helps you envision the future—your goals, your purpose, and your new path forward.
- Massage Therapist or Acupuncturist: Stress manifests in the body—tight shoulders, headaches, fatigue. Regular bodywork can provide physical and emotional relief.
- Fitness Instructor or Accountability Partner: Whether it’s a spin class or morning jog, having someone to support your movement routine can make a huge difference.
3. Create a Grounding Routine
During divorce, structure is everything. It brings a sense of calm to chaos and helps prevent the emotional rollercoaster from taking over your day. Here are a few healthy habits to consider adding to your daily routine:
- Morning meditation or breathing exercises (even just 10 minutes)
- Consistent mealtimes with whole, nourishing foods
- Daily physical movement
- Scheduled social connections with friends or support groups
- Time offline to reset and recharge
Remember: Consistency, not perfection, is the goal.
4. Allow Yourself to Grieve—Without Shame
Whether you initiated the divorce or not, grieving is natural. The loss of a marriage often brings a tidal wave of emotions—sadness, relief, guilt, anger, confusion. Let them come. Don’t suppress them or tell yourself to “get over it.” Healing takes time.
Therapists often say divorce is a form of death—the death of a life you once envisioned. So give yourself permission to mourn, and understand that your timeline is yours alone.
5. Reclaim Your Identity
When you’re part of a couple for years (or decades), it’s easy to lose sight of who you are outside of that relationship. Now is the time to rediscover yourself.
Ask:
- What hobbies or interests did I give up?
- What do I want to try, now that I have space?
- Who do I want to be, and what lights me up?
Try something new—whether it’s journaling, taking a solo trip, or joining a local group. You’re not just recovering from divorce. You’re reinventing.
6. Watch for Warning Signs of Poor Health
Physical symptoms often show up when emotional pain is ignored. Watch for these signs:
- Frequent illness (a weakened immune system)
- Chronic fatigue
- Persistent weight changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or panic attacks
If you notice these signs, seek help—either from your primary care provider or a wellness professional. Catching stress-related health issues early can prevent long-term complications like heart disease, high blood pressure, or depression.
7. Avoid the Temptation to “Bounce Back” with a New Relationship
Healing doesn’t happen in someone else’s arms. While it’s tempting to distract yourself with a new romantic partner, rushing into something new may delay your personal growth and set you up for more pain.
Instead, use this time to build a healthy, respectful relationship—with yourself.
8. Lean on Professionals Who Understand
Legal stress can compound emotional stress. Choosing the right divorce attorney can make all the difference.
At Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C., we’re not just here to file paperwork. We’re here to support your whole journey—offering legal guidance that helps you feel informed, empowered, and ready to take your next step with confidence.
You’re Not Broken. You’re Becoming.
Divorce isn’t the end. It’s a hard reset—a powerful opportunity to heal, redefine, and rise.
There will be hard days. There will be tears. But there will also be breakthroughs, renewed strength, and the joy of rediscovering you.
So breathe. Eat something nourishing. Call a friend. Get some rest. And remember—you’re not alone.
Need Legal Guidance for your Divorce in New York?
Contact Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C. today for a confidential consultation and personalized support every step of the way.