The holiday season can be a difficult time for those who are going through a divorce. The celebrations and family gatherings that are meant to be joyous occasions can often serve as painful reminders of what was lost. However, there are ways to get through this difficult time and avoid the holiday blues.
Prioritize Your Mental Health
Be patient with yourself. It is normal to have ups and downs during this time, and it may take some time to adjust to your new reality. Getting your head right is no small task. Try to be patient and kind to yourself as you work through your emotions.
Consider speaking with a mental health professional. A therapist or counselor can provide you with a safe and confidential space to process your emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. There are now online solutions available to help if you can’t make it to an office setting. It’s okay to ask for help and it can come in several forms.
Mental health relates to your physical being, so finding ways to exercise can help with your mental state as well. With that said…
Prioritize Your Physical Health
While emotions can have a drag on physical activity, it is important to try. Maintain a healthy routine as much as you can. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying physically active. Exercise is especially important because it can help boost your mood and reduce stress, which can last all day long. Consistency is key here, as we all know one or two workouts do not really help.
Many experience anxiety during these celebratory times. It can be hard to boost self-esteem if you’re already struggling with it. Some good workouts for depression include walking or jogging, swimming, cycling, and dancing. It might help to try these activities alone, but it could also be beneficial to do them with others–it just depends on your personality.
Other forms of exercise that can be helpful include yoga, tai chi, and strength training. It’s important to find activities that you enjoy and that you can stick with, so experiment and see what works best for you. It also doesn’t hurt to consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have any existing health conditions.
If you already exercise regularly, you understand the benefits and true stress relief it provides. If you’re someone that does not work out normally this is your chance to find a new habit and release–a fresh start if you will.
The bonus here is showing the world, your ex, and yourself that you can accomplish something outside of the relationship you just came from.
Lastly, sleep and depression are linked. Getting enough quality sleep can help improve your mood and reduce symptoms of depression. On the other hand, not getting enough sleep can worsen symptoms of depression. In addition, certain sleep disorders, such as insomnia, can increase your risk of developing depression. So, do forget how important sleeping is to getting better again.
Prioritize Your Time
Time is not something we will get back, so use it wisely. Don’t spend more time thinking too much and soaking in your emotions. So, set aside some time for activities that you enjoy, such as reading, photography, shopping, writing, or spending time in nature. Make sure you’re doing things you love, not things your relationship liked to do–if that makes sense.
Volunteering can be a great way to take your mind off your own problems and feel more connected to your community and people again. This can have a two-fold effect.
Also, remember if the thought of attending holiday gatherings is overwhelming, it’s okay to decline invitations or limit the amount of time you spend at such events. It’s important to prioritize your own emotional well-being during this time. Time is your friend, so use it, don’t abuse it.
You’re Not Alone
One of the most important things to remember is that you are not alone. Many people go through a divorce, and the holidays can be a difficult time for them as well. It can be helpful to reach out to friends and family members for support or to seek out support groups where you can connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
Finding online support boards can offer some perspective and help ground yourself. If you can meet in person with is even better. Regardless, it is important to know millions of others go through these feelings and difficulties every year–you will make it.
Create New Traditions
It can also be helpful to create new traditions or to modify old ones. This can give you a sense of control and can help you to create positive memories during a challenging time.
This could mean setting aside a specific day or evening each week to do something special, such as playing board games or making crafts together. You could also plan a special outing, such as going ice skating or to a holiday-themed event, to create lasting memories.
You could host a holiday potluck or cookie exchange, or even start a new tradition of sending out holiday cards or hosting a gift-wrapping party. Involving others can help to make the holiday season feel more special and festive.
In addition to creating new traditions, it can also be meaningful to continue or revive old traditions that may have been forgotten or fallen by the wayside over the years. This could mean bringing back a family recipe or game that was once a favorite or even resurrecting a holiday tradition that has been passed down through generations.
No matter what new traditions you decide to create, the key is to make them meaningful and enjoyable for everyone involved. The holiday season is a time to come together and celebrate and creating new traditions can help to make it even more special and memorable.
Take Care Of Yourself
Overall, the key to avoiding the holiday blues and recovering from a divorce is to take care of yourself and to reach out for support when you need it. By focusing on self-care and creating new traditions, you can get through this tough time and emerge stronger and happier.
With a little time on your side and some activities for the mind, you will be well on your way to normalizing yourself during the holiday season again.
Modern Family Law
Modern Family Law’s team of experienced divorce lawyers takes a compassionate approach to the practice of family law. Our experienced team of attorneys is prepared to consult with you regarding any questions related to family law matters. Using innovative technology to create an effective and efficient process for our clientele, our attorneys approach each case as a collective effort to find the best long-term solutions for each family. We understand the financial burden a divorce can have on an individual. As such we have created our industry-first SimpleStart™ program, providing people a chance to reduce the amount of money needed upfront to start their case. For more information please give us a call or fill out a short form online to sign up for a free consultation today! Let us make a positive difference in your life.
