HEALTH & WELLBEING
Please consult your medical services, e.g. General Practitioner, Dietician or any other health provider to get an uptodate advice relating to your health. The information below helped me mentally to get to a good place.
- Stress and Stressors
- Mindfulness is known to be powerful too to help relieve stress.
- Some other ways to cope with stress and depression (although easy said than done when one is in that situation!)
- Moving out? Things to bear in mind. (see under Finances)
- Diet during divorce
- Drink plenty of water
- Eating healthy
- Exercise
Divorce, even when you know it is the right thing to do, is one of the most stressful life-changing events that can alter your health and well-being. Each and every day is filled with anxiety and stress.
It is especially difficult with the fighting parties, which is often the case. Add to that the role of lawyers, who often encourage you to take an aggressive stance, and it is an explosive mix.
Stress and Stressors
There are two kinds of stressors acting against you at the same time. The first category is the known stressors, like making the decision to keep the house or possibly move; the loss of many of the routines of your past life; paying legal (solicitors/court fees) etc) bills; financial losses; the children’s reaction to the divorce; and coping with the idea of them being away from you when they spend time with your former spouse.
The stressors caused by the “unknowns” can be even more difficult to handle. They include worries about how the settlement will work out; fears about what to do next, e.g. will you be able to find a job after being a stay-at-home parent for years; anticipating making ends meet with less money; worry that your “romantic life” is over; fear of re-entering the dating world; and fear that the children will suffer a negative impact.
The more stressful the divorce, the more likely it is that illness will follow.
There are some good tips of how to recognise the stress level and how to cope with stress – recommended by the the link below
Mindfulness is known to be powerful too to help relieve stress.
Meaning of Mindfulness: a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
“Mindfulness also allows us to become more aware of the stream of thoughts and feelings that we experience,” says Professor Williams, “and to see how we can become entangled in that stream in ways that are not helpful.
“This lets us stand back from our thoughts and start to see their patterns. Gradually, we can train ourselves to notice when our thoughts are taking over and realise that thoughts are simply ‘mental events’ that do not have to control us.
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Mindfulness
Some other ways to cope with stress & depression (although easy said than done when one is in that situation)
Irritating illnesses
Most people find themselves at a really low point, or in a state of stress and depression. at some point during the divorce process, and it’s quite usual at that time to have more colds than usual, as well as indigestion, odd aches and pains, stomach cramps and headaches.
Managng indigestion: Simple advice includes eating food slowly, and at regular intervals with small portions. Avoid excessive use of tablets such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets (such as ibuprofen) as these can irritate the lining of the stomach.
Taking regular exercise can also reduce indigestion as well as helping reduce weight
Dehydration increases stress in your body.
Stress is one of the most prominent contributing factors to depression, along with a sense of powerlessness and inability to cope with stressors. Dehydration is the number one cause of stress in your body. In fact, it’s a self-perpetuating cycle: dehydration can cause stress, and stress can cause dehydration. Dehydration impedes your brain’s serotonin production.
It can really help to find someone to talk to who has recently split up from a partner or been divorced.
You will discover that this other person may have had many of the feelings and health problems that you are going through now.
Knowing this can help you to feel more on top of things and to accept that your symptoms are normal.
However, if any of your health problems persist, do see your GP.
Be active,
Connect with people, and if possible create a support system with friends and family
Have some ‘me’ time,
Avoid unhealthy habits,
Try to be positive
Talking about your feelings can help you to cope with what you’re going through. But if you prefer to confide in people you don’t know, try those who are trained to listen, such as Samaritans.
Relate experts suggests taking some time to do something that’s for you. Think about what you enjoy such as a long walk, a soak in the bath, spending time on a hobby or other interest, reading a good book or watching your favoorite film.
Relate experts also advice that try to devote some time to thinking positively about yourself. They recommend writing down something nice about yourself before going to bed each night for a week. Then during the following week, write down one thing you did well that day. Also remember to eat as healthily as possible and get plenty of rest and sleep whenever you can.
Going through a divorce or separation is a grieving process. But sometimes this can lead to depression. It’s perfectly normal to feel depressed in such situations – at least for a while. But if you feel constantly low for more than 5 to 6 months and you experience other symptoms such as lack of energy, appetite changing, sleeping difficulties, lack of concentration or physical restlessness, then it is time to consult your GP.
It is said if you look good, you will feel good. Take time to dress up.
Like it or not, how you look affects how you feel about yourself – especially if you had to endure constant stress and depression during relationship and going through a divorce.
Looking Good, Feeling Great!
You need to be realistic about what an attractive appearance can do for you. It won’t make you happy, or successful in life or in love. What it can do is give you a little extra self-confidence.
Diet during divorce
It is said that High-fibre diet may relieve stress and anxiety. I had found it very difficult to maintain a good diet while I was going through my divorce. It was hard to think about food while I was so worried about the outcome of the divorce and my future. Luckily I had wonderful friends and family who helped to look after me at the most difficult time of my life.
How are diet and mental health linked?
The relationship between our diet and our mental health is complex. However, research shows a link between what we eat and how we feel.
Eating well can help you feel better. You don’t have to make big changes to your diet, but see if you can try some of these tips.
- Eat regularly. This can stop your blood sugar level from dropping, which can make you feel tired and bad-tempered.
- Stay hydrated. Even mild dehydration can affect your mood, energy level and ability to concentrate.
- Eat the right balance of fats. Your brain needs healthy fats to keep working well. They’re found in things such as olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish, avocados, milk and eggs. Avoid trans fats – often found in processed or packaged foods – as they can be bad for your mood and your heart health.
- Include more whole grains, fruits and vegetables in your diet. They contain the vitamins and minerals your brain and body need to stay well.
- Include some protein with every meal. It contains an amino acid that your brain uses to help regulate your mood.
- Look after your gut health. Your gut can reflect how you’re feeling: it can speed up or slow down if you’re stressed. Healthy food for your gut includes fruit, vegetables, beans and probiotics.
- Be aware of how caffeine can affect your mood. It can cause sleep problems, especially if you drink it close to bedtime, and some people find it makes them irritable and anxious too. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks and chocolate.
Drink plenty of water
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.
Eating healthy
Oranges (any citrus fruits), red bell pepper, kiwi – full of vitamin c.
Because your body doesn’t produce or store it, you need daily vitamin C for continued health. The recommended daily amount for most adults is:
- 75 mg for women
- 90 mg for men
If you opt for supplements, avoid taking more than 2,000 milligrams (mg) a day.
Broccoli is supercharged with vitamins and minerals. Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber and many other antioxidants, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate.
Yogurt, Chicken, Fish, Nuts – contain important nutrients for the body.
There is vast amount of information online but for easy access below are links to :
Green Gym projects, run with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), provide exercise for people who do not like the idea of the gym or indoor exercise classes.
Taking part in a Green Gym is free and a great social activity too, allowing you to meet new people and work together to transform your local area, while also learning new skills every week and also helps mental wellbeing.
Great videos
Adults are recommended to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.
If you have not exercised for a long time or are concerned about the effects of exercise on your body or health, ask a GP about exercise on prescription.
Lots of GP surgeries across the country prescribe exercise as a treatment for a range of conditions, including depression.
