Divorce fatigue is a real thing. When you and your partner are finally calling it quits on your marriage, it’s likely that you’ll be overwhelmed by emotions—some of anticipation, some of confusion, and some of bitterness. That’s understandable. However, when these emotions build up over time, they breed a far greater nemesis: divorce fatigue.
Fortunately, part of what makes divorce helpful is that you’re really going to grow as an individual and use it as an opportunity to be the best version of yourself. It all starts with knowing how to handle divorce fatigue. These tips will help get you started.
In this video: Firm partner and Divorce Lawyer Melinda Previtera covers tips to deal with fatigue during a divorce.
Melinda Previtera, Esquire
Divorce Lawyer in Philadelphia
1. Instill a divorce curfew (and adhere to it without fail)
One of our partners at Petrelli Previtera, LLC, Melinda Previtera, says, “My mother used to tell me that ‘nothing good happens after midnight.’ As a teenager, I thought otherwise, but as an attorney specializing in contentious divorce cases, I’ve developed my own spin on Mom’s wisdom. In fact, I urge my clients and everyone else to follow a stricter curfew: to quit participating in any divorce-related activities by 8 p.m.” We can’t help but agree with Melinda.
Our team has observed that these three things could plunge you deeper into divorce fatigue, especially if they’re done at night: grousing about your divorce on the phone with friends, poring over legal documents, and emailing your ex. Nothing good comes from focusing on your divorce after 8 p.m. The idea of instilling a divorce curfew has worked for many of our clients, helping them improve positive vibes and get better sleep. It could work for you too.
2. Focus on the positives
Often, it’s not the divorce process that causes fatigue; it’s the thought that you can, to some extent, influence how your case shapes up in court. However, that’s typically not the case. Your attorney is in charge of all that, not you.
Keep in mind that you paralyze yourself (and your mind) by focusing on the things you have no control over. When you find yourself nearing a negative place of constant overthinking, take a step back and remind yourself of all the good things you have in your life. You can even make a list and look at it whenever you’re feeling high on emotions or otherwise stressed.
3. Break a sweat
Believe or not, exercise can do wonders for blocked emotional channels. Stretching out muscles triggers good feelings. So does setting and achieving goals.
With all you’re going through, you deserve to feel good about yourself. A fitness regimen or a new goal such a half-marathon will boost your mood, raise your self-esteem, and ultimately set you on the path to overcoming divorce fatigue.
4. Don’t push everyone away
When you’re low, empty, and emotionally crushed, putting on an outfit and mingling with friends may sound like the last thing you want to do. Nonetheless, try and force yourself to stay in constant contact with the people you love.
Staying busy helps more than you’d think. Being around other people helps you get out of your own head and offers a little break from the emotional torture you may be inflicting on yourself.
5. Avoid power struggles between you and your ex
Engaging in any sort of back-and-forth with your ex doesn’t make things any better. In fact, holding on to your anger and letting it inspire your choices can end up being toxic for you than it will ever be for your ex.
So, try focusing on the future, rather than the past and who’s to blame for what. Let go. Think about the next chapter of your life with a sustained sense of optimism and hope. Most importantly, be open to making compromises. Together, these choices will help you adequately deal with divorce fatigue and emerge a much better person at the end of it all.
Conclusion
With these tips, we’re confident you’ll handle divorce fatigue like the emotionally strong, witty, and forward-thinking person that you are. Now get out there and put on a smile.
At Petrelli Previtera, LLC., we strive to help you feel emotionally secure and in capable hands as we take on the legal issues involved in your divorce. Our passion lies in helping people going through a divorce plan a future filled with opportunity and new beginnings. Please reach out to us to schedule your initial consultation.
Mistakes do happen, but when they occur in a divorce setting, they tend to be costly and incredibly stressful. Download our FREE ebook “Mistakes To Avoid During Divorce” and shield yourself from these rather common mistakes once and for all or contact us today and we’ll be more than glad to assist!
Related Resources: Navigating Divorce Planning, Preparation, and Complex Issues
Petrelli Previtera, LLC offers a comprehensive suite of resources to support you through the challenging journey of divorce. We understand the complexities involved and provide practical guidance on divorce laws, debunking myths, and exploring various approaches such as peaceful divorce through mediation or handling high-conflict situations, including divorcing a narcissist. Our mission is to bring our clients from chaos to clarity during this transformative period.
Also, find related topics for Self-Care During Divorce, including the Emotional Toll of Divorce and strategies for coping, and read tips for managing Fatigue During a Divorce and maintaining your well-being. We also have interpersonal tips for navigating the challenges of Divorcing a Narcissist and addressing the Impact of Divorce on Children and safeguarding their emotional health. Please note the information provided here is for general purposes and should not replace professional legal advice. Each situation is unique, and we encourage you to seek personalized guidance from our attorneys.
Contact Petrelli Previtera, LLC today to schedule a consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting you through your divorce, offering advice and a path towards a brighter future post-divorce.