DIVORCE 411 APRIL 2015 | Page 4

D I V O R C E 4 1 1 Love Thy Self… D By Stephanie Holland, PhD and Margaret Pickard, Esq. ivorce is one of the most stressful events that can occur in life. It often represents the loss of hopes and dreams, not only for you, but for your children as well. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself; take a bath, go for a run or a hike, go out to lunch with friends, go to a movie… relax. This will benefit you, as well, as your children. Your children take their cues on how to respond to the divorce from you; if you accept this change, they will too. If, however, you are sad and sorrowful, they will follow your lead. Your kids will adjust much better if they see that you are able to cope with the changes that divorce brings. Understand that adjusting to the divorce will take time, usually about a year and a half, if not longer. Here are a couple of things you can do to help minimize your stress and help you cope: Eat Right. the additional stress you are facing. A vitamin B complex is important for maintaining your energy level, reducing stress and boosting your immune system. Exercise. Stay physically active, it is the best therapy there is. Exercise makes you feel great and helps to eliminate stress, anger, frustration and anxiety. If you don’t exercise regularly, this is a great time to start to get in the habit; join a club to make re-make yourself and get to know people who have a healthy lifestyle and will be a great cheering team for you. Kick boxing and high energy classes like spinning allow you to blow off steam in a positive way. Eating a healthy diet helps you maintain a positive outlook. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables Have Fun!! Be sure to schedule some and drink plenty of water. fun into your daily life. Make time for fun Multivitamins, especially and do things that you love! Spend time with vitamin B, can help you combat the effects of friends and family who support and love 4 | Divorce 411 April 2015