Our Clients’ Tip for Taking Care of Yourself During Divorce: Get Outside and Exercise

One way I know that it’s officially Spring is that I’m driving my Freed Marcroft colleagues crazy with my allergies. One ultimately said I could just keep her Carmex, and there are Kleenex boxes stashed next to all of my usual haunts in the office.

Setting aside the wonders of allergies, Spring also provides a perfect opportunity to get outside and shake off the hibernation of winter. Many of us struggle with getting outside at all during the Winter, let alone exercising outside.

As one client put it:

 “Honestly, I think walking and my therapist were the two things that helped me keep my sanity.”

You don’t have to train to run a marathon. You just need to get outside in the fresh air and walk. You know the physical benefits of exercise, but there are also tremendous mental health benefits.  When you go through a divorce you may experience times of fear, stress, or anxiety. More than ever, it is critical to make time for yourself and get the heck outdoors.

According to excellent, practical article by Lawrence Robinson, Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Melinda Smith, M.A., the mental and emotional benefits of exercising include:

• Sharper memory and thinking. The same endorphins that make you feel better also help you concentrate and feel mentally sharp for tasks at hand. Exercise also stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps prevent age-related decline.
• Higher self-esteem. Regular activity is an investment in your mind, body, and soul. When it becomes habit, it can foster your sense of self-worth and make you feel strong and powerful. You’ll feel better about your appearance and, by meeting even small exercise goals, you’ll feel a sense of achievement.
• Better sleep. Even short bursts of exercise in the morning or afternoon can help regulate your sleep patterns. If you prefer to exercise at night, relaxing exercises such as yoga or gentle stretching can help promote sleep.
• More energy. Increasing your heart rate several times a week will give you more get-up-and-go. Start off with just a few minutes of exercise a day, and increase your workout as you feel more energized.
• Stronger resilience. When faced with mental or emotional challenges in life, exercise can help you cope in a healthy way, instead of resorting to alcohol, drugs, or other negative behaviors that ultimately only make your symptoms worse. Regular exercise can also help boost your immune system and reduce the impact of stress.

We all know we are supposed to exercise, and we all feel better when we do. Especially if you are going through a divorce, now is the perfect time to start. Outdoor activities will give you additional calm and coping skills.

Plus, the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and Claritin is on sale.

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Freed Marcroft’s attorneys know that divorce and child custody aren’t just legal processes — they are emotional processes as well. We guide select clients through the legal aspects of divorce while remaining mindful of their overall wellness.

To discuss our helping with your situation, contact us today either here.