8 Ways to Kickstart Your Life After a Divorce

Every 13 seconds, there is one divorce in America. By the time you finish reading this article, there will be several more divorces that happen.

Divorce is sadly a part of life, not for everyone — but a lot of people.

And, life after a divorce can be quite challenging for many. To add fuel to the fire, heartache, and loneliness may be one of the worst feelings someone can go through after a divorce.

Fortunately, you are not alone. Almost everyone will be somewhat affected by divorce at some point in their lifetime. If you’re going through the sad stages following a divorce, take a minute to read these post-breakup tips for moving on after divorce and kick-start your new life.

Ways to thrive after divorce

1. Get a new hobby

Life after a divorce is not easy, we all know about that. But, hobbies are great opportunities to get you engaged with something you enjoy. They are perfect stress-relievers and can also help boost your social life!

It’s easy to find yourself stuck in a weekly routine that can quickly turn dull. Hobbies offer more than just a “rinse and repeat” lifestyle, they provide us with an outlet for distraction and creativity.

If starting a garden isn’t your thing, join a kickball team or learn a new language! There are many amazing opportunities out there just waiting for you to explore.

2. Take an art class

Art is important at all stages of your life. The benefits of practicing art include relieving stress, boosting creativity and it can give you a self of accomplishment.

Taking an art class is not only an amazing opportunity to learn and create, but it will also be a good chance to meet new people who share similar interests as you.

Life after a divorce is tough, but there are endless mental health benefits to studying and practicing art.

For example-

Art places emphasis on focus, perseverance and visual learning and it is a fantastic outlet for emotional expression.

Following your divorce, it’s important you exercise your brain in a healthy and productive way.

3. Re-decorate

Divorce should be all about new beginnings and learning to love yourself again. The best place to start is by making your home all about you.

Interior designer, Paul Rees, explains, “You don’t need to go out and purchase new furniture to make a home feel new and fresh following a divorce. Make this a transformational journey based around feng shui elements, the art you love and photos of your family members.”

This can be a cost-efficient alternative to going out and remodeling your place, also to start creating your new life after divorce

4. Hit the road

A study conducted by the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin found that women who travel for at least twice a year are less likely to suffer from depression, and chronic stress than women who don’t vacation twice a year.

A vacation might not be the first thing that pops into your head following a divorce, but it should be.

Travel somewhere you have never been to before and see the world in a new light. Traveling is scientifically proven to make you healthier, more creative and it lowers the risk of depression.

5. Volunteer

Following a divorce, you might find yourself with too much free time.

Divorce expert, Stephen Vertucci, recommends volunteering as a wonderful opportunity to get to know your neighbors and community while benefiting others, “there are so many places you can volunteer at including animal shelters, homeless shelters, beach cleanups, your local church, art museums and so much more!”

Volunteering can connect you to others, help promote a healthy sense of accomplishment and might even be beneficial to advancing your career. Find a volunteer opportunity that is based around something you enjoy.

This will be a great chance to meet others in your neighborhood who also share similar interests.

6. Get a pet

You’d be surprised to know just how beneficial our furry friends can be to our mental health — especially after a divorce.

Having an animal can provide you with companionship and can offer a sense of purpose and security following a breakup. They also make wonderful best friends.

According to the CDC, health benefits of having pets include decreased blood pressure, decreased feelings of loneliness, increased possibilities for socialization and more opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities!

So, if you are looking for ways to improve your life after a divorce, consider getting a pet for yourself.

7. Heat things up

Research finds that people who eat regularly home-cooked meals tend to be happier and healthier. Additionally, home-cooked meals are more cost-efficient, have considerably less sugar, and they’re more sustainable.

Cooking has many therapeutic qualities; getting your hands a little dirty and trying new recipes is an opportunity to open your mind to new flavors and expand your palette.

8. Unplug

Take a break from social media as you transition into single life.

There are many temptations lurking on social media, including the urge to check out your ex’s activity or look at old photos that might remind you of your past together.

Since your relationship is over, communication can only prolong the frustration and hurt. Disconnect from your past by looking for new ways to keep your mind busy and keep a space between the old you and the future you.

No manual to start life after a divorce

There is no manual on how to adjust to being single after a divorce. However, these tips can offer suggestions on how to kickstart a fresh slate on your future.

The loneliness after a divorce can be crushing, but the free time you now have can give you an opportunity to explore new outlets about yourself and find new things about you that you didn’t know were possible.

You’re not the first person to feel lonely while single, and you certainly won’t be the last!

Enjoy every moment and learn new things about yourself you never thought possible.

The post 8 Ways to Kickstart Your Life After a Divorce appeared first on Marriage.com Blog.

from Marriage.com Blog https://ift.tt/2n6IWxF