Divorce can be a long process, full of twists, turns, and unexpected roadblocks. It can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel if you’re in the midst of a never-ending divorce battle, but it will eventually end. While you will emerge from the experience a changed person with a new outlook on life, you may need a little bit of guidance for learning how to thrive after divorce.
1. Think Positively
It is normal to feel heartache and mourn the loss of your marriage, but the negative thoughts cannot consume you. It is not healthy and will affect your relationships with friends and family, and may even have a negative impact on your career.
Learning how to change your way of thinking and focusing on the positive is the single most important aspect to thriving as a newly divorced person. That being said, it can be hard to pull yourself out of a rut, and doing so is easier said than done.
Learning how to think positively requires a plan of action, which may require you to implement some of these well-known strategies:
- Surround yourself with people who make you happy
- Have a positive affirmation that you repeat to yourself each morning
- Keep a journal to document at least one positive moment from your day, and write about the experience each night
- Meditate
Take some time to figure out what works best for you and your lifestyle. After surviving a bitter or contested divorce, it can challenging to change your way of thinking. Take it one day at a time, and you will get there.
2. Get a Pet
Spending time with a furry friend can be incredibly therapeutic. Animals are loyal creatures and can provide unconditional love. Both children and adults can benefit from spending time with an animal.
Having a pet, or volunteering at an animal shelter, can help you thrive after divorce because it can act as a distraction and prevent you from focusing on your ex. Pet ownership is a great way to make new friends, too, as there are many events and dog parks throughout New York City that help to foster relationships between owners. Expanding your social circle and being open to new experiences is crucial to thriving post-divorce!
3. New Experiences and Relationships
You probably never thought you would make it out of your divorce in one piece, but you did. You were forced to step outside of your comfort zone, and you survived. It is important to continue to have new experiences, broaden your horizons, and meet new people.
New York City is a hub for fun activities, with something to suit every interest or personality. Weekly and monthly meetup groups are available, with a number focused on connecting the recently divorced.
Have you always wanted to take a painting class, learn karate, or travel? Pursuing a new hobby or having an adventure are great ways to thrive after divorce. Doing something that makes you happy will improve your mood and help to alleviate the post-divorce slump. Join a club, enroll in a class, or attend one of the many summer events or fairs New York City offers. Whatever you decide to do, keep an open mind and enjoy the experience!
4. Focus on Your Physical Health
Exercise is as important for your physical health as it is for your mental health. Breaking a sweat releases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that help to foster a feeling of euphoria. Physical activity will make you happier and improve your mood.
A critical component of thriving after a traumatic experience, such as divorce, is to learn how counteract any negative or harmful thoughts. It is common for recent divorcees to feel at a loss after their case is finalized. Mourning a relationship and way of life can often result in bouts of depression, so it is important to figure out ways to deal with this. Taking care of your body and mind, via physical activity, is a very effective way to accomplish the task. Whether you take up cross training or running, or focus your energy on mellowing out with yoga or Pilates, it is important to figure out what works best for you.
5. Don’t Rule Out Therapy
We have previously discussed the idea of therapy for children during divorce, but adults can reap the benefits, as well. Sessions with a therapist or psychologist can be incredibly therapeutic, as they can provide a great outlet to talk openly about your fears, concerns, and anxieties in a safe environment. Knowing that you won’t be judged or ridiculed for your thoughts makes it easier to let your guard down and make strides towards healing after divorce.
Turning to friends and family during such a monumental life event can be helpful, but it is in your best interest to see professional intervention if you feel that you are stuck in a rut and can’t quite shake any negative thoughts or emotions. Failing to address these issues will have a disastrous impact on all areas of your personal and professional lives.
Hire a Brooklyn Divorce Attorney
Retaining the right representation at the beginning of your divorce case will make a difference in the action’s outcome, and help to ensure that you are secure and stable afterwards. Your attorney needs to advocate on your behalf, both in and out of the courtroom. At Brian D. Perskin & Associates P.C., we work tirelessly to achieve our client’s desired results. Let us bear the burden of your legal issues, so you can focus on yourself and your family.
For more information on New York divorce, call 718-875-7584, or visit us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation today!