Strategies for Coping with Loneliness After Divorce
Going through a divorce is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences a person can face, and it comes with a mix of feelings that can be overwhelming at times. Coping with loneliness after divorce is probably the most difficult one of all. Although it may seem like an insurmountable task, with the right strategies and a positive outlook, it is possible to rebuild a fulfilling life. To help you do this, we’ve consulted an experienced dating coach and gathered five effective strategies for dealing with the emotional aftermath of a divorce. Now let us help you move forward to a happier future.
Embracing the New Normal and Coping with Loneliness After Divorce
It’s important to acknowledge that feeling nostalgic and lonely after a divorce is completely normal. This sense of loss is a natural part of the healing process; accepting it is the first step toward moving on. Remember that you’re not alone in this journey and that countless others have successfully navigated the same path. Giving yourself the space and time you need to adjust to your new life circumstances is crucial.
However, coping with loneliness is sometimes easier said than done, so to help you, we’ve gathered five practical strategies for overcoming these feelings. Combined with your determination and strength, they’ll help you leave your divorce feeling more fulfilled than ever.
#1 Establish a Support System
Creating a strong network of friends and family is crucial when coping with loneliness after divorce. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people can significantly improve your emotional well-being.
Connect with Old Friends
Rekindling connections with old friends can provide you with a valuable source of support. These are the people who knew you before your marriage, and they can remind you of the person you were before the relationship. Reconnecting with old friends can also help you regain a sense of belonging and boost your self-esteem, ultimately helping you regain confidence after divorce.
Join Support Groups
Participating in support groups for divorcees can help you connect with others experiencing feelings of loneliness and loss. Sharing your experiences and offering mutual support can be incredibly therapeutic. Support groups also provide a safe space to express your emotions without fear of judgment, which can be essential to your healing process.
#2 Rediscover Your Hobbies and Interests
Focusing on hobbies and interests can be an effective way to cope with loneliness after divorce. Engaging in activities you enjoy will occupy your time and help you rediscover your passions and sense of identity.
Try New Activities
Now is also the perfect time to explore new hobbies and interests. Trying new activities can be a fun way to meet new people, and you might even discover a newfound passion in the process. Consider joining clubs or taking classes in areas that interest you. This can not only help fill your time with enjoyable activities but also allow you to make new friends with similar interests.
#3 Prioritize Self-Care
Caring for your physical and emotional well-being is essential during this challenging time. Prioritizing self-care and continuing your self-care trends can help alleviate loneliness and boost your overall mood.
Exercise Regularly
Engaging in regular exercise is not only beneficial for your physical health but can also improve your mental well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Additionally, exercise can help you develop a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy, further improving your emotional state.
However, coping with loneliness is sometimes easier said than done, so to help you, we’ve gathered five practical strategies for overcoming these feelings. Combined with your determination and strength, they’ll help you leave your divorce feeling more fulfilled than ever.
#1 Establish a Support System
Creating a strong network of friends and family is crucial when coping with loneliness after divorce. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people can significantly improve your emotional well-being.
Connect with Old Friends
Rekindling connections with old friends can provide you with a valuable source of support. These are the people who knew you before your marriage, and they can remind you of the person you were before the relationship. Reconnecting with old friends can also help you regain a sense of belonging and boost your self-esteem, ultimately helping you regain confidence after divorce.
Join Support Groups
Participating in support groups for divorcees can help you connect with others experiencing feelings of loneliness and loss. Sharing your experiences and offering mutual support can be incredibly therapeutic. Support groups also provide a safe space to express your emotions without fear of judgment, which can be essential to your healing process.
#2 Rediscover Your Hobbies and Interests
Focusing on hobbies and interests can be an effective way to cope with loneliness after divorce. Engaging in activities you enjoy will occupy your time and help you rediscover your passions and sense of identity.
Try New Activities
Now is also the perfect time to explore new hobbies and interests. Trying new activities can be a fun way to meet new people, and you might even discover a newfound passion in the process. Consider joining clubs or taking classes in areas that interest you. This can not only help fill your time with enjoyable activities but also allow you to make new friends with similar interests.
#3 Prioritize Self-Care
Caring for your physical and emotional well-being is essential during this challenging time. Prioritizing self-care and continuing your self-care trends can help alleviate loneliness and boost your overall mood.
Exercise Regularly
Engaging in regular exercise is not only beneficial for your physical health but can also improve your mental well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Additionally, exercise can help you develop a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy, further improving your emotional state.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for not only your physical but your mental health. Eating well can help combat feelings of depression and anxiety often associated with divorce. Ensure you consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated and limiting your intake of processed foods, sugar, and alcohol can also improve mood and overall health.
Prioritize Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is crucial for your emotional and physical well-being. Make sure you establish a regular sleep schedule. On top of that, have a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down at the end of the day. Good sleep hygiene can significantly impact your mood and resilience during this challenging time.
#4 Reorganize Your Living Space
Removing reminders of your ex can be helpful in the healing process, and that’s just one of the benefits of decluttering after divorce. Creating a living space that reflects your individual style and preferences can provide a fresh start, making it easier to embrace your new life.
The Benefits of Using Storage
If you’re not ready to say goodbye to certain items that remind you of your marriage, a storage unit can be helpful. Using storage during divorce for these items can provide a temporary solution until you’re prepared to make a more permanent decision. This approach allows you to control your possessions while giving yourself the necessary space to heal and move on.
Personalize Your Space
Take the opportunity to personalize your living space to reflect your tastes and preferences better. This could involve redecorating, rearranging furniture, or adding new artwork that resonates with you. Creating a comfortable and nurturing environment can significantly affect your emotional well-being and be a positive foundation for your new life.
#5 Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling with feelings of loneliness and depression, seeking the help of a professional therapist or counselor can be invaluable. After all, keeping your mental health in check during divorce is crucial. Mental health professionals can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy allows you to explore your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a safe, confidential setting. A licensed mental health professional can help you develop coping strategies, work on personal growth, and build resilience as you navigate the challenges of post-divorce life.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides an opportunity to connect with others facing similar struggles. In a group setting, you can share experiences, gain new perspectives, and learn from the coping strategies of others. Group therapy can be especially helpful in combating feelings of isolation and loneliness after a divorce.
It’s Time to Rediscover Self-Love!
The journey of coping with loneliness after divorce is undeniably challenging, yet it presents a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. While the strategies mentioned in this article provide guidance and support, the most significant factor in overcoming loneliness is your determination and resilience. Embrace this transitional phase as a chance to rediscover your passions, forge new connections, and build a life that reflects your authentic self. As you navigate this process, remember that you are not alone and that countless others have successfully emerged stronger and more fulfilled on the other side of loneliness. In case you’re struggling more than you can handle, don’t be afraid to schedule your coaching session and get the expert help you need to move on. By focusing on your well-being and taking proactive steps, you’ll overcome the pain of divorce and lay the foundation for a brighter, more rewarding future.
Author’s bio: Jesus Lascano is a licensed family therapist with over two decades of experience. He loves writing blogs and sharing advice with those struggling to overcome mental health issues.
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How to Ward off Loneliness When Single Again
One can feel lonely when going through a break up or the divorce process. You have lost your live-in companion and may be by yourself for the first time in your life. Some go from their parents’ house – to university – to the marital home. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed doing all the tasks that used to be split up between the both of you. There is less time to be with friends. The divorce process itself is time consuming and can leave one feeling drained.
It is essential to stay in touch with friends when ending a long-term relationship to ward off feelings of loneliness. A quick cup of coffee with a pal is an energy booster and provides an opportunity to vent. Holding onto a grudge or hostile feelings can impact one’s well-being. Just as you schedule events into your agenda – do so for pleasurable activities. One can be among others, yet not have to interact if that is an issue. Go to a film or play so you are around people. Many tote their lap tops to coffee shops and do their own thing while not being isolated.
Ways to Ward off Loneliness
- A great way to feel connected to people is through volunteering. Not only is one helping others who appreciate it (humans or animals) but it can boost self-worth which may have taken a hit during a turbulent marriage. You also meet and connect with other volunteers. I enjoy the camaraderie of being with other church members when serving refreshments after Mass.
- Consider joining groups for fun, fitness or mental stimulation. MeetUp.com is global with many special interest groups, including divorce ones. Join a book or running club to enjoy an activity with like-minded people.
- Go to festivals – one is in the midst of others and can have some nice conversations. One can enjoy great food at large communal tables. The ethnic ones have a lively atmosphere and singles are welcome.
- Churches have community events. A nearby Orthodox one has homemade international lunches several times a year. I like going to an Anglican one for the Macmillan Coffee mornings and have met some wonderful people. Catholic ones have fish and chips dinners during Lent. My divorced friend met her next husband at a singles group at her church.
- Some divorcing people adopted pets for company. Nurturing someone else took the focus off their problems. Get the right one. One co-worker adopted a darling pig during her divorce which she sometimes brought to work. She was told that Ms. Piggy was a small breed. Well she was not, and grew very portly in size. Ms. Piggy is now living on a farm and my co-worker has visiting rights.
- If you do not have children – borrow someone else’s for the day. Their laughter is contagious. Nephews, nieces or little neighbours would love an outing to the zoo, park or carnival. Being around these youngsters can help you forget about your divorce for a few hours.
Feeling Isolated
There is a difference between feeling isolated vs lonely. Merriam Webster dictionary defines isolation as being “set apart” and this may mean geographically. While married, we lived in a house with a lovely view a bit out of town in the foothills. In the midst of divorce, I felt very isolated from other people. There was no public transport and going places necessitated a car ride. I bought a small house in town during divorce and that feeling of isolation evaporated. Others have married someone and moved to a new location and feel isolated when getting a divorce. If feasible, see if relocating would be beneficial to feel more connected to people, such as family. Determining the reason why one feels cut off is the way to fix isolation.
Reach out to others when feeling lonely. Loneliness is defined as “being without company.” Talk to neighbours, the barista at your coffee shop or other encounters. I have had some of my best conversations with individuals who were sharing my park bench. Start a new hobby or take a class to beat the Loneliness Blues.
My article was originally published on the web site of Paradigm Family Law