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How to Stay Healthy During Divorce

tips for healthy divorce

Filing for divorce in Singapore? The grief and stress that accompany divorce can take a toll on your health. The negative mental and physical effects on divorcees can range from lack of self-esteem and depression to a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Self-care is extremely important to ensure you go through the divorce with your health intact. Establishing healthy habits and being kind to yourself will go a long way in optimizing your mental and physical health.

Here are 5 tips to staying healthy during divorce:

Exercise

Whether you are planning for divorce or going through a divorce, getting the recommended level of exercise is of paramount importance. In the long-term, regular physical activity helps strengthen muscles and bones while reducing the risk of various diseases.

You will also notice immediate benefits after a workout in the form of reduced anxiety and improved mood. Exercise helps the body releases ‘endorphins,’ the happy hormones that boost self-confidence and mitigate depression and stress.

If you dislike walking or running, you can take up dancing, yoga, swimming or other types of activities that lower your stress levels.

Routines are important

The changes that getting a divorce in Singapore can bring on can be overwhelming, particularly for children. Regular, consistent, and predictable routines help remove the fear of the unknown, reduce anxiety and establish security.

Discuss with your partner about maintaining consistent routines that your children are already used to. Sticking to a routine will also help you stay focused at work and be more productive instead of letting stress and anxiety take control of your life.

Read more: Combating Stress the Correct Way

Practice mindfulness

The uncertainties of the future and the painful memories of the past are the key aspects of a divorce that brings on stress and anxiety. One of the great ways to combat this is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is all about focusing on the ‘now’ and living in the present moment instead of excessively worrying about the past or the future.

Studies show that when paired with meditation, mindfulness offers a range of physical and mental health benefits. Here are some simple ways to practice mindfulness:

  • Focus on your breath
  • Be more aware of your surroundings
  • Appreciate the taste, appearance, and texture of foods
  • Notice the texture, color, shape, and fragrance of a flower
  • Be conscious of every step you take as you go on a leisurely walk
  • Experience each moment instead of hurrying to the next activity.

Eat right

High levels of stress can trigger emotional eating or binge eating during the divorce. Researchers have found that divorce affects the diet of both men and women. Post-break-up, men and women are less likely to eat fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables.

Plan healthy meals and stock up on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, beans, nuts, low-fat dairy, and whole grains.

Focus on preventive health care

Studies show that divorce is associated with negative health consequences both in the short and long term. While depression and anxiety are the short-term effects, in the long term, divorce increases the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancers.

Apart from eating healthy and exercising, preventive health screen and health education can help you avoid the long-term negative health effects.

Other than nutrition and exercise, establish a good bedtime routine. Do whatever makes you happy such as reading a book, taking a bubble bath, praying, journaling, or getting a relaxing massage.

If you are getting divorced in Singapore, these tips will surely be of help to you.