New year, new you. Bouncing back from divorce

While the impact of divorce can be life-changing and stressful for everyone involved, it’s important to remember that positives can come from your decision to separate. As we head into 2021, we want to highlight some of the good things that can happen for you and your future following a divorce.

Here are our top tips for your fresh start.

New year, new you

Staying in an unhappy marriage can often feel like the only option. You might feel as though you’ve lost the sense of routine and stability that your marriage or relationship provides. The thought of being alone, particularly if you’ve been with your partner for a long time, can seem like an impossible thing to do.

But here’s the thing; there’s a big difference between loneliness and solitude. Leaving an unhappy marriage gives you an opportunity to start over. You can take the time to find out what you want and what your future looks like, all on your own terms. Once you embrace this, nothing can stop you.

It’s all about you

When you’re in a relationship, there’s always someone else to consider. Compromise is a cornerstone of any relationship, and sometimes that can be hard.

After a divorce, your time is yours. More time and space to do the things that you want to do. You might want to rediscover hobbies that fell by the wayside, or reconnect with friends you haven’t seen because your partner didn’t like them. Maybe you could start that new project you never had time for. Whatever it is, the aftermath of a divorce is the perfect time to practise self-care and make it all about you.

Make the most of your children

The fact that you’ve got children together isn’t reason enough to stay with your partner. If you’re in an unhappy relationship, that’s going to take a toll on your general day-to-day well-being. It’s well documented that a bad marriage drains away your happiness and energy, which in turn is likely to affect how well you function as a parent.

The other very real concern is that you may find yourself inadvertently setting the wrong example about what a healthy relationship looks like. Arguably, it’s more beneficial for children to observe two happier parents, albeit separated ones.

Of course, we know that’s easier said than done. But it’s definitely something to consider.

New relationships

It might not be at the top of your priority list right now, but as the saying goes – where one door closes, another one opens. Divorcing your partner provides the head space for you to find a partner better suited to what it is you’re looking for.

And we’re not just talking about romantic relationships either. The more time you spend doing the things you want to do, the more people you’ll meet. Some of whom you’ll form friendships with. Be prepared for your social calendar to take on a life of its own.