How to Prioritise Self-Care in Divorce.
How can I prioritise self-care during a divorce?
Self-Care During Divorce: It’s Not a Luxury... It’s Survival
Divorce is one of the most stressful things you’ll ever face.
The legal process is draining.
The emotional fallout is worse.
If you don’t take care of yourself, everything else suffers...
your health,
your decisions,
your future.
Here’s what real self-care looks like during a divorce.
Protect Your Sanity
Divorce is brutal. It's emotionally draining, financially stressful, and can feel never-ending. So while you're sorting the house, pensions, child arrangements, or court dates...
don’t forget the most important asset: your sanity.
Get Support
You need someone in your corner.
Friends, family, a good therapist.
People who get it.
Not everyone will understand what you're going through, so choose wisely.
Don’t expect sympathy from your ex, or people who think you should “just move on.”
You’re allowed to hurt.
You’re allowed to need help.
You don’t need a crowd. Just one or two solid people you can talk to without judgement. That might be a friend, a sibling, a counsellor, or a coach. It’s not about advice...
it’s about not being alone in it.
If you can afford therapy, take it.
If not, there are free or low-cost services around.
Ask your GP or look online.
You don’t need to wait until you’re falling apart.
Manage the Stress
You won’t get through divorce without stress. But you can stop it taking over.
Stress builds fast.
You need tools to release it...
daily, not just when things explode.
Walk every day. Stretch. Breathe. Write things down. Try to sleep and eat properly. None of this solves the legal problems, but it keeps you strong enough to deal with them.
Walk.
Run.
Swim.
Meditate.
Breathe.
Punch a pillow.
Journal.
Switch off your phone.
Yoga works for some.
Weightlifting for others.
Find what helps and do it regularly.
It’s not indulgence...
It’s how you stay sane when your world is upside down.
Meditation apps like Headspace or Insight Timer help some people. Others find peace in church, nature, or journaling. Do what works for you. Even 15 minutes can reset your nervous system.
Look After Your Health
Divorce can mess with your body: insomnia, headaches, chest pain, anxiety.
Don’t ignore it.
Book the GP appointment.
Go to that physio.
If you need medication, don’t be ashamed.
Get enough sleep.
Eat real food.
Drink less alcohol.
Go to your GP if you’re struggling.
Mental health is physical health.
Don’t wait until you break down.
Divorce isn’t just about paperwork...
It hits your immune system, your energy, your hormones. Take it seriously.
This isn’t weakness. It’s survival.
You need to be mentally and physically fit for the long haul.
Set Boundaries
Protect your time, energy and peace. That means:
Reducing unnecessary contact with your ex
Avoiding pointless arguments
Not checking emails late at night
Saying no to things that drain you
Filtering who you let into your headspace
If your ex is toxic, consider using a contact app like OurFamilyWizard or setting up a separate email for all legal communication.
You don’t need to reply to every message instantly.
You don’t have to engage with provocation.
If your ex is difficult or abusive, limit contact and keep it business-like.
Block or mute when needed.
Its not about being rude...
it’s about protecting your peace
Don't put yourself last
If you’re parenting through divorce, you’re probably putting the kids first.
That’s natural.
But you matter too.
Kids need a stable parent...
not a burnt-out one.
You won’t help them by falling apart.
Put your oxygen mask on first.
Final Thought
Looking after yourself is not a luxury
It’s essential.
You won’t make good decisions when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or broken.
Need help navigating the legal side without burning out?
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