Divorce is, perhaps, one of the most difficult things you can go through in life. It’s a harbinger of enormous change for you and your family. For many, it’s also fraught with hurt, anger, and sadness.

As such, divorce can be an extremely stressful experience. Studies show that 10-15% of people struggle substantially with the process, and that this struggle may lead to adverse health risks and even a higher mortality rate.

If you’re looking to lower your stress levels while going through a divorce, read on for our 3 favorite ways to destress.

1. Try to Sleep

One of the most common reactions to stress is sleeplessness. Racing thoughts and overwhelming feelings take control of the brain, keeping people up at all hours of the night.

One of the most challenging things about sleeplessness is that it can quickly turn into a cycle. Exhausted people resort to extra caffeine to stay alert throughout the day, or throw off their sleep schedule with naps. As such, the sleeplessness continues. In fact, over time people who are sleep deprived can develop a sleep debt and this makes it harder and harder for them to catch up on their sleep.

Unfortunately, the effects of lack of sleep can be dire. In the short term, sleeplessness can lead to memory loss, slower cognitive abilities, and slow reaction time. In the long term, sleeplessness can lead to high blood pressure and subsequent health issues.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, there are many steps you can take to improve your sleep hygiene. Turn all electronics off at least 30 minutes before bed. Consider incorporating a sleep supplement into your bedtime routine. A nighttime CBD supplement like CBD vape juice to help you sleep can be a lifesaver.

2. Practice Meditation

Meditation is an ancient practice that dates back at least 7,000 years. While it originated as a part of religious life for many Eastern religions, it’s now a common practice in Western society.

In meditation, practitioners practice deep breathing while sitting in a relaxed position. Some choose to utter a single word, such as “Om”, while others opt for a guide to talk them to the process. During meditation, people learn to acknowledge their thoughts without getting carried away with them. Through this, they learn to let stress go and feel more relaxed while breathing deeply.

It’s no wonder that meditation has become such a critical part of so many people’s daily life. Meditation trains people to acknowledge stressful situations without getting consumed by them. In addition, the deep breathing techniques used trigger the body’s relaxation response, imparting a sense of calm.

Meditation seems intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. All you need is a quiet space and a comfortable place to sit. Set a 5-minute timer and focus on your breath. If you’d prefer a guided meditation, you can find free guided meditations online or in the app store.

3. Find a Therapist

There are some things in life that you shouldn’t go through alone; divorce is one of those. Divorce can be a traumatic and emotional experience. If you’re feeling a high degree of stress from your divorce, it’s a sign that you could use help processing your divorce and learning coping skills such as developing a new support network.

There are a few different types of therapy that you may want to seek during divorce. For one, you can attend individual therapy to help with your stress, anxiety, and sadness. A therapist can also help you with goal setting and more.

If you have children, you may also want to seek family therapy. Divorce can cause emotional strain on the entire family. Children and teenagers may feel sadness, abandonment, confusion, and guilt. Family therapy can allow for an open forum in which children can share their feelings and alleviate the some of the pain associated with their parents’ split.

Lastly, couples therapy can be a huge help for a divorcing couple. It can be a safe place where you can set guidelines and learn how this new life will work. It can also lead to an easier and more amicable divorce.

If you’d like to find a therapist, there are a number of different ways to do so. You can ask your primary care physician for a referral to a therapist, or you can ask your child’s primary care physician for a referral if you’re seeking family therapy. You can also use online directories to find a reputable and reviewed therapist. If you’re seeking virtual therapy, you can also do so online or through a number of different apps in the app store.

While divorce is an experience that affects all aspects of your life,  it does not have to define you as a person in a negative way. In fact, you can recover more quickly if you use strategies such as seeking the help of a skilled therapist, practicing better sleep hygiene, and using methods such as meditation to relax and reduce stress.

By Alycia Coloma