So many aspects of your life can be affected by your divorce, including your relationship status, your finances, your daily routine, and your mental and emotional health. Many divorcees wonder how long it will take them to move forward after divorce, specifically emotionally and mentally. While it can take about two years on average, the time it takes you to heal is unique to you and your circumstances.
Below we will discuss some tips for rebuilding your life and getting a fresh start. It is important to note, however, that in moving on you may still have to navigate child support, alimony, and custody/visitation. Adjusting to a new routine or financial constraints can take time and require patience, and if your circumstances change, you can petition to have the orders modified.
Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care is a broad concept that includes many activities, including exercise, nutrition, proper sleep, support systems, and meaningful hobbies and passions. In essence, self-care involves taking care of your physical and emotional needs, which can be an important part of moving on.
Don’t Rush Yourself Emotionally
After divorce, you can go through several emotional stages, including grief, anger, and sadness. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions. While it may seem easier to numb or ignore emotions, it is better to honor your emotions and process them in a healthy way to better move forward.
Practice Gratitude
While getting divorced can be draining, remind yourself why you decided to pursue the divorce or what positives have come from the experience. Looking for silver linings can help improve your self-esteem, general mood, and sense of compassion and joy.
Consider Attending a Support Group or Therapy
Talking through what you’re feeling and going through can help you move forward. By working with a therapist or participating in a support group, you can have additional support and guidance on ways you can move forward from people on similar journeys. A support group is also a great way to meet new people.
Rediscover What Makes You Happy
The post-divorce season of your life can be a great time to make your free time count and try new things. You may even consider taking up an old hobby that you didn’t have time for in previous years. By trying new things or rediscovering old loves, you can take time to get to know yourself again and move forward.
Set Boundaries with Yourself & Others
After your divorce, you may be tempted to stalk your ex online, or your family may still want to invite them to certain outings or talk about them. Setting boundaries around communication and activities can help you move forward and protect your healing process.
Lean on Friends & Family
During and after your divorce, friends and family can be a great resource for strength and support in moving forward. Whether you need emotional support, a listening ear, budgeting help, or some other form of support, friends and family can be a great help. If you lost friends and members of your support system during your divorce, consider making new ones; also consider the previous tip concerning the benefit of support groups.
Experienced Family Law Attorney
At Shaw Family Law, our attorney has over three decades of legal experience, and our firm is dedicated itself to the practice of family law. Whether you need help filing for divorce or petitioning for post-judgment modifications, we are equipped to help you understand your legal options and navigate the case. We are known for being efficient and effective in court—just look at what our past clients have to say about our services, and we offer every client personalized attention and counsel.
Learn more about how we can help you by calling (205) 259-7650 or reaching out online today.