We’ve all been there – life was going smoothly one day, and then bam!
Something knocks us totally off course. Maybe we lose our jobs unexpectedly, kids move out and we now feel empty, or worse, our spouse decides to end the marriage.
Life’s like that – full of twists and turns, and these kinds of major life transitions hit hard and can hamper our mental health. The grief, anxiety, fear of the unknown… It’s totally normal to feel that disruption emotionally. Some might struggle with insomnia, lose appetite, or start withdrawing socially.
But here’s the thing – losing it mentally when life goes sideways is actually pretty avoidable. We can use some wisdom from an unexpected source: The principles of lower stress divorces.
Divorce mediators have this knack for guiding couples through one of life’s toughest transitions with minimal fuss, i.e., less stress equals better mental stability.
So, how do you land safely on this emotional rollercoaster?
Well, a divorce mediator is all about getting both parties to express their needs clearly and honestly. They set boundaries to keep things civil. And they push for maintaining strong support systems since emotional detachment is disastrous during tough transitions. These same principles are golden for any life-disrupting situation.
Whenever I go through a big life change, I make sure to lean hard into solid communication habits with myself and others. I’ll try to be upfront about my new reality and boundaries. And I sometimes count on my closest relationships too.
Now, let’s map out how this actually works:
First off, don’t resist the natural emotional process of adjusting to change. We all cycle through stages like denial, anger, and eventually acceptance. Totally normal! What matters is being self-aware through those phases, catching yourself acting out in unhealthy ways, and course-correcting.
The goal is to embrace change as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. I understand, it’s not easy. But mediators see it all the time – with the right mindset, even divorce can become a catalyst for reinvention. Such a mindset shift towards growth is where the mediation-inspired strategies come in handy.
Clearing the sky
Communication is key for starters. No need to bottleneck difficult thoughts and feelings. Get them out in the open through journaling, talking to confidantes, whatever works. Just get real with yourself.
Find balance
Setting healthy boundaries is pivotal. Establish clear physical and emotional limits, whether that’s disconnecting from stressful conversations, social media, or saying ‘no’ to any kind of added responsibility. You’ve got enough on your plate already!
Your well wishers matter
Maintaining your support system will help keep you grounded, too. This is no time to skip besties night or drop that weekly phone call with mom. You need life’s anchors more than ever now. Just like in Chicago, this low stress divorce mediator encourages a healthy way of looking forward to making key decisions, it applies to us just as much when facing any of life’s challenges.
Resilience is your friend
Resilience is that inherent toughness that provides the emotional healing, strength, and optimism to adapt in the face of adversity. It’s crucial for mental fortitude to persist through tough transitions.
Easy enough to define, but how do you actually build resilience? With practices like:
- Expressing gratitude for what you still have, in writing or just purposeful reflection
- Nurturing self-compassion with positive self-talk. No need to beat yourself up!
- Remember to do the things that light you up inside, and mindfulness exercises are a must for maintaining equilibrium. Take things one day at a time.
Mindfulness and emotional awareness
Speaking of mindfulness, to manage stress and emotional turbulence – I’m talking about intentionally checking in with your feelings and acknowledging them to find a way out – not numbing or suppressing them.
I know it’s easier to say than to do. So, start small with some easy mindfulness apps or YouTube videos if you need.
Self-Care is non-negotiable
When everything’s in flux, taking care of yourself physically and mentally just can’t be an afterthought. Commit to routines that keep you healthy, like:
- Getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night
- Exercise regularly (aim for 300 mins/week)
- And keeping up with meditation/mindfulness practice
Solving problems, one step at a time
All these guidelines seem basic, but mediators actually drive home the importance of self-care for divorcing spouses trying to reset. Don’t let these fundamentals slip through the cracks for you either.
Once you’ve got some steadying self-care rituals in place, try shifting into more of a problem-solving mindset. Just like divorce mediators, start by identifying and clearly prioritizing any outstanding issues you’re facing with this transition.
From there, get creative in finding solutions that are outside-the-box but an authentic fit for your situation. With an open mindset, you’ll start seeing possibilities you never considered before.
Discover the new you
And speaking of viewing things through a new lens – there may come a point when you basically have to redefine who you are now on a new life path. It’s OK to grieve the loss of your old identity while also getting excited to discover an updated version of yourself more aligned with your present reality.
When to seek a helping hand
Sometimes, the load is too heavy to lift alone, so don’t be afraid to seek help from a pro if you get stuck or overwhelmed. Recognizing when you need to reach out for professional help is a strength, not a weakness. Therapy or counseling can provide the support you need to navigate through your mental health journey.
We all need backup sometimes! At the end of the day, change is inevitable. But falling into mental crisis mode doesn’t have to be.
Take inspiration from those trained in navigating high-stress situations. With open communication, firm boundaries, strong support systems, and self-compassion, you’ve got a ready-made blueprint for any plot twist life throws your way.
