We’ve discussed the importance of caring for your mental health after a divorce, we’ve even discussed maintaining and improving our appearance. However– perhaps we expect that you already know this– we haven’t discussed the importance of caring for your physical health in nearly enough detail. When going through the stress of a divorce, it is easy to neglect our physical wellbeing. We may have lost our spouse’s health insurance or are simply stretched too thin between work, attorney consultations, and the loss of a partner who once helped with the day-to-day tasks. Still it is important to pay attention to our bodies. Of course, we all know that divorce is stressful and that stress can also affect one’s physical health. The following tips are the foundation of living a healthy life and they are even more important when you are in a situation like divorce, which may be detrimental to your health.
Eat right– Many of us tend to neglect our eating habits when we are under stress or grieving. We may find ourselves cooking “comfort food” that feels good but does not nourish us adequately, or eating the quickest available choices because we are pressed for time or too tired to cook. There are plenty of quick, easy, healthy recipes of which we may take advantage. Throwing lean meat and vegetables into a slow cooker before work is an excellent way to have dinner prepared before we return home, with minimal effort. We can also be wary of the snacks that fuel us as we go off to work. If you are lucky, your office may provide you with fresh healthy vending options in their machines, like those offered by Monumental Vending in the Washington DC area. If this is not the case, you may also investigate preparing simple snacks including vegetables and hummus, roasted chickpeas and seeds, dark chocolate, nuts, fruit and low-sugar yogurt. Snack time is usually the instance where hunger beats self-control, and we make decisions that can negatively affect our health.
Exercise- One way to cope with the stress of a divorce is through exercise. When you are focused on a difficult physical task, you are less likely to dwell on your emotional hurt. Exercise also boosts endorphins and energy, which will improve your attitude and counteract the negative impact of stress on your life. Also, a healthier physical appearance is sure to boost one’s self image, which may have taken a toll after the demise of one’s marriage.
Make regular medical appointments- With diet and exercise, you can certainly decrease the amount of medical care you will need, but you certainly will not eliminate it. Everyone gets sick at some point, and it is important not to wait too long when we notice potential symptoms of a health condition. It is also important to schedule routine examinations such as physicals, men’s/womens health exams, and even dental appointments. Making a semi-annual appointment with your dentist in Cary NC, Dallas TX, or whatever your region is an important part of maintaining your overall health. If left unchecked, oral infections can spread from the mouth and lead to serious health conditions like diabetes. It is in your best interest to stay on top of your health both on your own, and with a trusted physician.
These three pieces of advice are at the cornerstone for a healthy life whether you are single, married, or divorced. After a divorce, however, it is easy for them to fall by the wayside, but under the strain of this scenario, your health is more important than ever.