Protect Yourself Emotionally During Your Divorce
Divorce is never pleasant, and it could be the worst thing to happen so far in your life. The interpersonal issues that led to the divorce will likely continue through the process, but the divorce itself does not need to be a constant strain on your emotional well-being. Keep in mind that your goal is to dissolve your marital relationship so that you can move forward into a better future. By maintaining a standard of emotional health throughout the proceedings, you will have the best possible start on that future.
3 Ways to Prevent Your Divorce from Overwhelming You
Keeping your emotions in check during a divorce may be easier said than done, especially if you have minor children or significant assets. Remember that the proceedings are going to unfold as a matter of procedure no matter how you react. Use that knowledge to manage your energy output. Following are three ways to reduce your response to drama so that you can get your divorce decree with your sanity intact:
1. Go with the Flow
Think of yourself like a boat on top of the water. The boat is designed to work with the waves, moving up and down with them rather than against them. When an inexperienced sailor maneuvers a boat incorrectly, it takes on water. Once it takes on just a little water, the balance is off, and it will keep taking on water until it eventually capsizes or sinks. When you allow your emotions to get the best of you during the procedural steps of your divorce, those emotions will continue to build and do greater damage to your mental state. Even if your soon to be ex-spouse is causing the waves, your reaction is what will determine your ability to stay afloat. Remember that your energy is most effective when you use it to remain calm and in control of your emotions.
2. Keep the End Goal in Mind
Life after divorce is your end goal, so keep that at the forefront of your thoughts. Everything occurring during the divorce is one more step towards your destination. View every potential conflict in light of how much it will matter once the divorce is final, and proceed from there. Of course, some issues will need deeper examination or negotiation, but these things should be transactional rather than confrontational. The results are rarely affected by one party’s accusations or indignation on a particular matter. Stick to the facts, give your divorce attorney everything they ask for in a timely manner, never try to hide information or assets from your attorney, and remember that the goal is to move forward with your own life.
3. Practice Self-Care
Rebecca Glenn-Dinwoodie is a conscientious legal professional whose focus is on your goals and your best interest. But the best family lawyer in the world can only provide legal services within the scope of his or her expertise. It is expected that your divorce is a difficult emotional experience. Practice self-care during your divorce proceedings to make sure you’re ready to start fresh on the day after your Divorce Decree. Self-care looks different for everyone, but it may involve talking to trusted friends who have been through similar circumstances, seeing a therapist or counselor to deal with anger or grief, spending time in hobbies that take your mind off the unpleasant facts of divorce, or exploring spiritual or physical activities to improve your overall health. You may need to find a safe person to vent your frustrations to, but make sure that once you get everything off your chest, you don’t go back and dwell on that issue.
Divorce is difficult, even in the most amicable circumstances. But once the action has been filed, the procedure will follow a fairly standard formula. Your emotional state will have little effect on the final outcome of your settlement, but it will have a significant impact on your ability to move forward once you achieve your goal.
If you are stepping onto the difficult path to divorce, contact Glenn-Dinwoodie Law for a free 30-minute consultation. Glenn-Dinwoodie Law’s approach is efficient and logical to help you achieve a fair settlement. Glenn-Dinwoodie Law practices all phases of family law in Montgomery County and Bucks County. We serve clients in Doylestown, Ambler, Norristown, Plymouth Meeting, and surrounding areas.
