Indiana Family Lawyer Blog
During a divorce there are lots of things on your mind. Everyday life becomes a challenge and the things that came to you naturally before your divorce require a conscious effort now. You hold yourself together at work and change the subject when your kids bring up your soon-to-be ex-spouse. You wonder how your spouse is doing as you check their Facebook profile for the tenth time that day – are they seeing anyone? Have they talked to your mutual friends about the divorce? You call your friends for support and you contact an attorney for legal advice.
But there’s one thing you probably haven’t given much thought to: your health.
A recent article by the U.S. News and World Report suggests that divorced people actually have a heightened risk for some long-term chronic health conditions. One family law attorney compared the divorce process to grieving a loved one who has passed on; “The accompanying stress and grief is comparable to a physical loss which affects you both physically and emotionally.”
So if you’re going through a divorce, it’s important that you pay attention to your health and what your body needs. Here are some quick tips to keep up on your everyday health and avoid any future health conditions:
1. Be active! Whether it’s walking your dog, hitting the gym, or going to a yoga studio with your friend, make sure you’re getting at least the recommended 30 minutes of exercise each day. Choose something that’s fun and that you’ll want to do every day – the last thing you need is added stress.
2. Watch what you eat. This goes both ways – attorneys report clients going through divorce to drastically gain or lose weight during the process. Make sure you eat 3 meals every day and try to incorporate all the food groups. “Eat a rainbow” as your mom used to say. If you’re busy and don’t have time to make meals during the week, try pre-making all of your meals during the weekend. There are also some foods that can help lower stress.
3. Get regular checkups. Don’t stop your life routine – if you normally see your family physician every 6 months, it’s essential to continue doing so. Don’t forget to also schedule other routine health screenings like mammograms. Taking preventative steps can make the difference in your long-term health.
4. Catch some Z’s. Getting the recommended 6-8 hours of sleep has been proven to improve mood, focus, diet, and exercise. See a doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping and see if there’s a solution for you.
Let us know what you think and tweet @HARDENJACKSON.
The attorneys of Harden Jackson Law are devoted to servicing clients throughout the Indianapolis area and the state of Indiana in all areas family law, including divorce, custody, child support, property division, paternity, post-divorce modifications, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, simple wills, adoption, surrogacy and other areas of assisted reproductive technology law. For more information, please contact us at 317.569.0770 or www.hardenjacksonlaw.com.
Remember, these blog posts are not meant to be legal advice. You should consult a family law attorney to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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