With Father’s Day around the corner, many families will be planning ways to celebrate the day. While there will be many smiles and cups of tea in bed this can be a very tough time for separated families, especially for Dad’s. If you are going through a divorce and finding this time of year particularly hard we understand and you are not alone. Here are five ways to take care of yourself and stay strong. For legal advice, our compassionate family team is a call away to help provide the clarity and support you need whenever you are ready to talk.
Talk
While it can be easy to isolate and cut people off during divorce, this can make you feel worse. There is a lot of shame surrounding separation that makes it hard to talk and open up. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Relationships break down or simply run their course for many reasons and this is natural. Talking to a trusted friend, loved one or even a stranger that is going through the same thing will make you realise you are not alone. Also, non-judgmental, honest conversations can be the best therapy.
Prioritise Your Wellbeing
We all have our own ways of making ourselves feel good. Whether that is a long walk, going to the gym or socialising with friends. When going through divorce self-sabotage is a rabbit hole many fall down. Try to focus on taking care of your well-being by getting plenty of rest, eating well and showing yourself lots of love. This will keep you strong for yourself and your children now and for the future.
Get Legal Advice
Understanding your legal rights through divorce can help make you feel more confident about the future. From separating assets, who gets to live in the family home to custody arrangements for children. This can be a fairly complex area of law and what is the best step depends on the particular circumstances of your circumstances and relationship. Speaking to a family lawyer can help understand your position and make a clear plan going forward providing stability for your young ones and starting your next chapter.
Take Time
Emotions can be icky, sitting with them and allowing yourself time to heal is a process. Unfortunately this cannot be rushed. Take the time you need to move on, rushing into new relationships might not be the healthiest thing to do after separating. Allowing time to rebuild, get strong and focus on yourself are the best ways to take care of yourself during divorce. Surround yourself with the right people and everything you need to feel good while you heal your heart.
Don’t Look Back In Anger
When it’s all said and done, you will be able to remember the moments of joy and all the good things that came from your marriage. Every relationship is an experience to grow, learn and love and while some come to an end anger is a wasted emotion. Let it out and let it go, try and move forward in peace. This is not only the best thing for you, it also creates the most positive environment for your children. Getting custody arrangements in place to protect their wellbeing and finalising the financial position between you and your ex-partner can often clear the path to move on.
The Takeaways
Divorce is always a very delicate time for families, Father’s Day can make the pain particularly poignant. While it can be a hard time of year there are small things you can do to take care of yourself. From talking to trusted friends about how you are feeling, prioritising your well-being and getting legal advice from a compassionate family/divorce lawyer – you can walk away from divorce feeling stronger. It is important to take the time you need to heal. Furthermore, try and avoid the rabbit hole of self-sabotage many can fall down. Do all the things you need to feel good whether that is working out, seeing friends or relaxing. Finally, try to remember the happier moments of your time together and when your divorce and any custody arrangements are finalised you can move on – in peace.
