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While modern men aren’t known for being overly emotional, something as commonly devastating as divorce can send them into an emotional spiral. When that happens, men need to know how to cope and do so in a way that’s healthy and productive. There’s no denying men and women alike need to know how to take care of themselves during this time. There’s also no denying men can fumble in their attempts. Here are a few tips to help you maintain proper emotional footage.
Don’t Skip the Grieving Process
No matter if the marriage lasted for one year or one decade, it’s okay to grieve. In fact, grieving is necessary. Rather than throwing yourself back into your work or your regular routine, it’s healthier to reflect on your loss. When you grieve, you recognize and honor your emotions rather than wall them up inside. More importantly, you can’t really move on to a new chapter in your life until you’ve properly closed the last one. If you don’t, your grief will sit like a rancid, bulging trash bag stinking up your mental house. Take it out.
Respect Your Ex-Spouse’s Wishes
Maybe the split wasn’t mutual. There’s a chance you could want to try to work things out with your ex and give your relationship another chance. Unless the feeling is mutual, it’s best to respect your ex-spouse’s wishes. You don’t deserve to be in a one-sided relationship, and begging and pleading for a second chance keeps you from facing the truth that your marriage is over. It’s better that you examine what didn’t work in the relationship. Even if you feel (or know) the split wasn’t your fault, there’s still a lesson to be learned. Take that knowledge and use it to make your next relationship stronger.
Keep Your Health Up
Lawyers from firms like Cordell and Cordell can tell you that people going through a divorce often let their health slide to the wayside. Know this isn’t limited to physical health, such as packing on the pounds. A man’s mental health can be negatively impacted as well, such as experiencing anxiety or depression. Remember to take care of your body as well as your mind. Know that exercise is just as good for your mood as it is your body.
Reach Out to Friends and Family
Rather than bottle your emotions up or feel you have to work through them on your own, reach out to family and friends. Those closest to you are sure to be willing to help however they can. If you feel even your family and friends can’t provide you with the solace you deserve, consider talking with a therapist. Just as a law firm like Cordell Cordell can help with elder law in addition to divorce, they may also know of a therapist you can talk to. Know that it takes more strength to reach out for help when you need it rather than suffer in silence.
Maintain a Relationship With Your Kids
If you and your ex-spouse had children together, continue to spend time with them. Know that it’s possible for you to be granted joint or even full custody of your children after divorce. Regardless of what kind of custody you have, make an effort to spend as much time as you can with your kids. Call them up, attend extracurricular activities and check in with them emotionally to see how they’re handling everything.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush into a new relationship after your divorce. Instead, use this time to re-evaluate your life and your path now that you’re no longer married. Dating someone too soon can prove disastrous for the both of you. It’s understandable that you don’t want to be alone, but right now, you need to focus more on yourself than someone else.
Give yourself as much time as you need to get yourself together after your divorce. The process won’t be quick or easy, but the above tips can make it better.