It is important to take care of yourself during this highly emotional period in your life.

Rest 

Make sure you are sleeping enough so that you stay healthy and alert. Dealing with separations can be very exhausting; you may feel more drained than usual. Be sure to listen to your body. Staying up late preparing the night before a hearing could hurt your chances at court more than it helps if you’re not well rested. 

Eat Healthy

Well-nourished bodies are better equipped to deal with stress. Eating healthy will help your energy levels throughout the day and will help you stay focused and think faster. Even though you’re busy or stressed, don't skip meals. Eat a well-balanced diet to fuel your body and mind. 

Get Moving

Exercise is a great way to release stress and avoid the effects of anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood and make you feel good. You don’t need to be an athlete in order to get these benefits. Go for a short walk or a cycle or join a fitness class.

Have Down Time

Set some time aside for you. Find an activity you enjoy doing and allow yourself to focus on it. You will burn out if you’re thinking about your separation 24/7. You can better handle stress if you give yourself time to relax. Try to find an activity that engages you, such as dancing, painting or yoga.

Talk to Others

It may feel very isolating, managing your separation on your own. Reach out to others who have gone through this before. They may be able to offer tips and emotional support as they know what it’s like. Bounce ideas around with someone to get a new perspective and help you make good decisions.

Have a Support Network

Support from family and friends is important. Try to surround yourself with positive people who can support and comfort you. Don’t be afraid to share your fears and concerns with a trusted friend or family member. . 

Seek Help

Don’t hesitate to get professional help if you need it. Talking to a counsellor or medical professional can help you sort through your thoughts and feelings and get a better handle on them. Professionals have expertise and experience you can learn from. In Getting Help we will discuss using professionals in more detail.

Let Go

Recognize when something is beyond your control and let it go. You can’t change how others act but you can control how you react. Stay focused on what you have control over and let go of the rest.

Continually Assess the Opportunities to Settle

Be smart about considering settlement options early in the process. If you settle, you will not get everything you wanted. It’s important to continually revisit this question and assess the possibility of the other side accepting a proposal from you to settle.