Divorce is often described as one of the most stressful life events. The emotional impact of ending a marriage, combined with the financial and practical challenges, can feel overwhelming. While focusing on the legal process is essential, it’s just as important to protect your mental and physical health.
Looking after yourself during this time is not selfish – it is vital. By building resilience, managing stress, and prioritising wellbeing, you place yourself in the strongest position to handle the process and step into the next chapter of your life with confidence.
Prioritise Your Mental Wellbeing
Divorce can stir up a whirlwind of emotions: sadness, anger, confusion, relief, fear and even excitement for the future. It’s normal to experience highs and lows, sometimes within the same day.
Some ways to protect your mental health include:
- Seek professional support – a therapist or counsellor can help you process emotions and develop coping strategies.
- Confide in a trusted friend – talking through your feelings helps prevent isolation.
- Practice mindfulness – techniques such as meditation, journaling or deep breathing can reduce anxiety.
- Allow yourself to grieve – it’s okay to feel sad about the end of the relationship while also looking forward.
Remember: looking after your mental health is not a luxury, it is a necessity during divorce.
Focus on Physical Health and Routine
Stress takes a toll on the body as well as the mind. By creating healthy habits, you support your energy levels and resilience:
- Sleep well – aim for regular bedtimes and limit screen time before bed.
- Eat balanced meals – try not to rely on comfort food, alcohol or takeaways. Nourishing your body will keep you stronger.
- Stay active – even a daily walk can boost mood and improve sleep.
- Limit alcohol – while tempting, drinking to cope with stress often makes anxiety worse.
Think of your body as your foundation: the stronger it is, the more equipped you’ll be to handle legal processes, financial decisions, and parenting responsibilities.
Manage Stress and Avoid Burnout
Divorce can feel like a second full-time job. Between solicitor meetings, financial paperwork, and caring for children, it’s easy to feel burned out.
Practical tips for stress management include:
- Break tasks into small steps – avoid overwhelm by focusing on one action at a time.
- Delegate where possible – lean on supportive friends or family, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Create a calm space at home – somewhere you can relax, read or just breathe.
- Set boundaries – whether with your ex-partner, children, or work, protecting your energy is vital.
Build Financial Confidence
Money is one of the biggest worries during divorce. Taking control of your finances helps reduce anxiety and gives you peace of mind:
- Understand your income and outgoings – create a simple budget.
- Get familiar with bills and utilities – know what is in your name and what is shared.
- Learn about maintenance entitlements – you may be entitled to spousal or child maintenance.
- Seek advice – a solicitor can help you understand how assets, pensions and property might be divided.
Nurture Relationships and Support Networks
Divorce can feel lonely, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Surrounding yourself with supportive people makes all the difference.
- Lean on trusted friends or family – people who listen without judgment.
- Join support groups – many local and online communities offer a safe space to connect.
- Build new routines – social clubs, hobbies or classes can create positive distractions and new connections.
Strong support networks provide reassurance that life does go on — and it can be fulfilling, joyful and full of new opportunities.
Life After Divorce – A Fresh Start
Divorce is not the end of your story. For many, it becomes the beginning of a healthier, more authentic life. Once the dust settles, you may find opportunities to:
- Rediscover hobbies and passions put aside during marriage.
- Travel, study or pursue new career goals.
- Build stronger, healthier relationships with children, friends and future partners.
- Redefine your identity on your own terms.
A healthy divorce is not about avoiding pain altogether. It’s about protecting yourself during the process, so you are ready to embrace the next chapter with strength and optimism.
Talk to Our Family Law Team
While self-care and resilience are essential, you may also need legal guidance along the way. Whether you’re at the start of the divorce process, managing disputes around finances or children, or reaching the end and need to update your Will or protect your assets, professional advice can give you peace of mind.
Contact Dillon Solicitors today to arrange a confidential appointment with our Family Law team. We are here to listen, support, and guide you through every stage of divorce and beyond.
