While divorce is a stressful experience, signifying the end of a relationship, it can also be the catalyst to a new beginning. To best know how to deal with the emotional and physical stresses of a divorce, you must first understand them. Once you have learned to accept your feelings, you can then learn ways to best care for yourself during this time. You’ll find that divorce can be a time of creating new relationships, of learning, and of growing.

Emotional and Physical Stress

You might feel a failure when you separate from the person you had expected to be your life partner. Divorce can be the death not only of a relationship, but also of the hopes and dreams you held dear. Although times may have been rocky, you will surely miss the great things about the relationship that you once had, such as friendship, intimacy, and financial security. If you end up with physical custody of your children, you will likely feel overwhelmed now that you are shouldering more of the child-rearing responsibilities. On the other hand, if you are the parent who must move out, you will likely feel lonely, guilty, and fearful that your children will forget you or turn against you. On top of your own pain, your children will probably be confused, and unhappy that their world has been turned upside down. They will need you more, even when you feel like you have less to give.

It’s not uncommon to suffer from physical symptoms during times of high stress. When under constant stress, you may develop numerous minor and major sicknesses, such as colds, headaches, backaches, ulcers, asthma, digestive problems, and insomnia. Even if you ultimately feel happy about the divorce, the stress of such a major life transition can result in physical ailments.

Stay Healthy During the Transition

While the divorce may be unavoidable and even desirable, you can takes steps to alleviate emotional and physical strain during this time of change.

• Reach out to people who can give you support. Caring friends, relatives, people in support groups, and counselors can all be sources of comfort. Sometimes a hug, phone call, or letter can make a world of difference.
• Acknowledge your feelings. Try not to bury your negative emotions and pretend everything is alright.Its normal and healthy to feel sadness, frustration, and despair. Express these emotions in non-hurtful ways try pounding on a pillow or crying to a trusted friend.
• Focus on healthy living. Now is not the time to drown your sorrows in alcohol or cigarettes. Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, giving up cigarettes, eating healthy, and exercising can boost your mood and keep your stress levels manageable,
• Start a new hobby. Take this time to begin anew by trying some activity or hobby you’ve always wanted to do. This will help keep your mind off your problems and help you to form new friendships.

Going through a divorce will be stressful. However, if you know what to expect and take care of your physical and emotional needs, you can survive this major life change. You may even emerge a stronger, more confidant, and happier person.