18 Ways to Practice Self-Care While Going Through a Divorce

Divorce, no matter how necessary, sucks. The emotional fallout, along with the exhausting process of dividing up your lives, can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. One way to combat divorce stress is to practice daily self-care. The following self-care ideas are meant to strengthen your resolve, renew your spirit and ensure that you're living your best life, on your terms.

Routine can be one of the hardest things to tackle following the dissolution of a marriage. It's also one of the most important things to reestablish in order to begin feeling like normal again. Set a schedule that includes what time you'll wake up each day, your daily tasks and activities, and when you'll go to bed. Getting your body in sync with a regular schedule will help you feel more centered and capable of handling the difficult moments as they come.

In the never-ending onslaught of things that must be done during a divorce, it's crucial to pencil in some downtime for yourself. Whether it's an hour spent soaking in the tub or half a day with your electronic devices turned off, giving yourself downtime is an important way to regroup, recenter and reflect on all the big and little changes happening in your life.

A divorce can feel like the foundation of your life has crumbled, but in many ways, this temporary destruction can also be positive. Leaving an unhappy marriage opens the door to make other big changes in your life. Whether it's making the decision to move to a new state, find a new job or even get a new haircut, divorce can be a powerful motivation for change that can ultimately lead to happiness and a new sense of self.

Not only does exercise help you lose weight and get in shape, it has serious brain-boosting power that can help fight the blues during divorce. High-intensity workouts are known to increase endorphins in the brain, which can help stave-off mild depression. Since divorce can be incredibly depressing, a great way to practice self-care is to exercise regularly. It's important to note that anyone dealing with depression should also seek out treatment from a qualified mental health professional.

Ending a marriage can leave you feeling alone in the world. One way to combat that loneliness is to reach out to the people who've always loved you: your family. Let them know you need their shoulders to lean on during this difficult time in your life. By allowing them to surround you with love, you'll find your footing in the world and know you're never truly alone.

Regular dates with friends can be a salve to the wounds of divorce. Spending time with people you enjoy, who can make you laugh and support you during this difficult time is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to practice self-care. Friendships are especially important for divorcees who may not have close family nearby to offer them comfort.

Staying busy is a great way to take your mind off your divorce drama. A great way to occupy your time is to join a group. Whether it's a support group, a hiking group, a painting class, an acting class, a writers guild or more, inserting yourself into a new community that can teach you something interesting will give you something positive to look forward to and make divorce a little less dreary.

If you can, hire someone to help out around the house. Whether it's a part-time housekeeper, a dog walker, lawn service or a babysitter, having an extra set of hands to take care of daily tasks can make life less stressful as a newly single person. For those who can't afford it, see if friends or family would be open to trading or bartering for help. Having someone to lean on can be a lifesaver while reestablishing your life following divorce.

No matter how amicable your divorce may be, you're going to have some feelings. It's important not to squash those feelings and pretend you're OK when you're not. Instead, get a journal and write them all down. This can help you process your emotions, keep track of how you're feeling and, if you have children, keep them from having to hear the less-than-pleasant emotions you may have toward your former spouse.

Divorce can leave our minds feeling scattered. One of the best ways to combat that mental chaos is to practice meditation. Not only does meditation help us shut out the noise in our heads and the stress of the outside world, it can help retrain our brains and sharpen our focus, giving us clarity of mind and a feeling of stability.

Divorce is messy, often painful, and never cut and dried. One of the healthiest things anyone can do for themselves while going through a divorce is to let go of the negative feelings they have toward their former partner. Like emotional anchors, feelings of blame, guilt, anger and regret keep us stuck in the past instead of allowing us to move forward.

One of the hardest parts of divorcing is having to reconfigure what the future looks like on your own. While it can feel overwhelming to re-plan your entire life during a divorce, it can be incredibly reassuring to have a few new personal goals. As part of your divorce self-care, take time to jot down a few personal goals and dreams that you can work toward, which will help you feel motivated to embrace each day and the challenges that come with it.

As cheesy as it sounds, surrounding yourself with positive affirmations is a wonderful way to give yourself the love and affection you're craving during a divorce. Leave notes for yourself that remind you of how loved, powerful, beautiful, strong and capable you are to combat the inevitable days where you're feeling vulnerable or insecure.

Now is not the time to add responsibilities to your plate. In fact, a divorce is a great time to simplify your life and shed the excess. Whether it's downsizing your living space, clearing out the clutter, slowing down your busy schedule or even paying down your debts, keeping things simple is a great way to reduce your stress.

Therapy is one of the greatest ways anyone can practice self-care, but it is especially important while going through a divorce. A qualified mental health professional can help you navigate the complex emotions tied to divorce and can give you personal insight and tools to help manage the ups and downs that come with such a major life change. Pro tip: Find out if your insurance covers online therapy visits, making it even easier to seek help.

Regardless of what your friends, parents and coworkers think, you are allowed to take as much time as you need to process your divorce. There is no one-size-fits-all emotional schedule for divorcees and that means you can move as slowly (or quickly) as you need to feel OK. When it comes to things like finding a new place to live, dating and hanging out with friends, you don't have to do it on anyone else's timeline.

Sometimes, divorce can be a great springboard for change, even if it doesn't feel so great in the moment. One way to incorporate positive change during divorce is to end other unhealthy relationships in your life. Removing toxic people from your circle will make you happier and healthier in the long run, which is one of the greatest ways to practice self-care.

It's easy to get into a rut during a divorce. One way to remind yourself of the joys of life is to make an effort to do something every day that makes you feel good. Whether it's visiting your favorite museum, reading a great book, eating the occasional doughnut, streaming an entire series while watching in your pajamas or spending time with people who make you laugh, gravitate toward what makes you smile. The end result? You'll be happier and ultimately healthier—inside and out.