If you’ve recently gone through a divorce, you know it can be an emotional and confusing time in many areas of your life. Keeping yourself and your family on track can become a challenge. But, having the right coping skills can make the process easier for you and everyone involved.
Staying on Track After Divorce
If you’re having trouble finding your way after divorce, here are some suggestions to help keep everyone on track:
Accept the Divorce
To cope and try to stay on track, you must first accept the divorce at face value. While statistics show that nearly 50% of all marriages end in divorce, many people don’t believe it will ever happen to them. So, when it does, it can be difficult to accept.
Many people have regrets when their marriage ends, and wonder what they could have done differently. But, accepting what has happened, is important to move on and stay on track. Holding on to the past can make it more difficult to move forward.
Stay Positive
Some divorces can get nasty, especially when children are involved. Staying positive and maintaining a positive environment are important for everyone involved. Children may be having a hard enough time with the situation. Being in the middle of arguments and negativity is only going to make matters worse. Staying positive can help to lower stress and keep everyone in a good place.
Stay True to Your Routine
It’s natural to feel lost after a divorce. This is why sticking to your routine is so important. If you always go to the gym after work, continue to do that. If you and your children always have Taco Tuesday, keep that routine alive. Continuing to do things that make you happy will help you to cope and stay on track. The same is true for your children. Keeping their routine and activities as normal as possible is also important.
Create a Co-Parenting Plan
After a divorce, parents need to have a co-parenting plan in place. Create a co-parenting plan that has your child’s best interest in mind. A solid co-parenting plan has a schedule for time with each parent, as well as rules, and a routine for bedtime, schoolwork, and activities. A positive co-parenting plan lets your child know that although you are divorced, you are still on the same page when it comes to their care.
Take Time for Self-Care
After a divorce, it can become easy not to take care of yourself. You’re likely stressed and don’t feel like you have time to take care of yourself anymore. But, self-care shouldn’t take a backseat. Rather, it should become a priority. Taking time for yourself is extremely important after divorce. Your mind and body need time to recover. Making sure you eat well, get enough sleep and exercise, and have time to do the things that make you happy are very important. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t expect yourself to be able to take care of anyone else.
Lean on a Trusted Friend
Many times, having a trusted friend you can call at any time can help to keep you on track. Having someone who will listen to you at any time is a comfort after going through a divorce. Whether they’re near a far, knowing you have that person is reassuring..
Spend Quality Time with Your Children
Your children need you more than ever after a divorce. Carve out special time to spend with them. Plan fun activities and create new traditions. Let them know things are going to be ok and that you’re always going to be there for them.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
After a divorce, many people find they need an unbiased person to talk to. Seeking professional help to talk about your feelings and any issues you may be having can be beneficial. Many people find this comforting. Find a trusted therapist you feel comfortable with to talk about your feelings and help keep you on track.
Expand Your Circle of Friends
During a marriage, many friends become mutual friends of both you and your spouse. After a divorce, some people may gravitate towards one spouse over the other. When this happens, take the opportunity to expand your circle of friends. Try new activities and meet new people who share common interests. While there is nothing wrong with keeping your old friends, sometimes making new friends can help give you the fresh start you need.
The Bottom Line
While everyone copes with divorce differently, having some tools you can utilize can make life after divorce smoother. Staying positive, taking care of yourself, and spending quality time with your children are just a few of the things that can help.
Getting on track after a divorce is not something that is going to happen overnight. But, with the right attitude and coping skills, life after divorce can become easier.
