How To Reduce Stress During Divorce Mediation

Going through a divorce is a trying and stressful time, even in the best and most amicable of circumstances. You are dealing with significant changes in lifestyle, financial changes, emotional stress, heartbreak, and if you have children, helping them cope with the change. Even if you feel ready for the change, and ready for divorce, the process you will undergo to sort through finances, assets, custody and more is overwhelming and quite the undertaking. Below is a list of ways to reduce the stress of divorce so that you can have a successful divorce and get on with enjoying your life.

Consult a Mediator
Whether you and your spouse are completely on the same page, or whether you are incredibly contentious, a mediator will help reduce the stress of divorce. In any circumstance, a mediator will help everyone communicate in a respectful way, ensure that everyone has a chance to be heard, and help you sort through the complicated details of dividing finances and assets. Additionally, there is a lot of paperwork involved in divorce, and a mediator will be able to help you properly prepare your paperwork to ensure that everything is completed in a timely manner. In summary, a mediator will be a significant stress reducer.
Get Active
Physical activity is a proven method for reducing stress in many situations, including divorce. Find something active to do that you love, and do it. Whether it is an exercise class at the gym, hiking with a friend, riding your bike with your kids or getting a daily jog, getting physical will help your body’s stress naturally reduce and help you better manage the stresses of divorce.
Join a Support Group
Divorce can be incredibly isolating. You may have questions, frustrations, fears and concerns building up inside with nowhere to discuss them. Perhaps you are the only one you know well that has been divorced or you do not feel comfortable discussing things with friends and family, so, who do you talk to about these issues? There are many support groups in every city for any type of situation you may have. There are support groups that are co-ed, gender specific, faith-based, or for various parenting situations. Talking through your fears and concerns, and having someone there to simply listen to you or even to offer advice can help you manage your stress.
Do Something That You Enjoy
Whether you have a hobby or just something you really enjoy doing, be sure to make time to do it. And not only make time, but make time consistently. Setting aside time for yourself to do something you enjoy, such as painting, shopping, going to the movies, dancing, golfing, volunteering, playing on a team sport, socializing with friends or any other hobby or activity will allow you to take your mind off of your divorce. And, if you do not do anything already consistently, think of something new and fun that you can get excited about. By taking your mind off of your divorce and focusing on something that makes you happy, your stress related to the issues of your divorce will be diminished.
Get Enough Sleep
One thing many adults often neglect, even in the best of times, is getting enough sleep. The stress of divorce can frequently cause people to lose sleep, worrying about whatever issues, problems and decisions need to be handled regarding the divorce. And, if you are not worrying but trying to make up for lack of time during the day to catch up on other tasks at night, this will leave you with little sleep as well. The lack of sleep will not only leave you frazzled and exhausted, but it will leave you stressed as well. Stress combined with exhaustion is a recipe for many problems, bad decision-making, and ill health. Be sure to make yourself a priority and get enough sleep so that you can be the best you possible can and be able to take on all of the challenges of the day.