Around the nation, including Oklahoma, divorces among older couples are rising. One study found that, in the past twenty years, divorce rates doubled among adults at or over the age of 50. This situation has become so common that people now refer to these marriage-ending events as gray divorces. Fortunately, knowing a few tips can help you recover from a divorce in your 50s and beyond.
Carefully choose who you vent to
Talking to someone about your post-divorce feelings, both positive and negative, is a helpful way to mentally heal and get the support you deserve. But experts recommend being careful about who you vent to. For instance, divorce-related venting is helpful to do around friends and certain family members. But, regardless of their age, venting about your ex-spouse to your children can do more harm than good for familial relationships.
Create a new routine
The longer they go on, the more marriages fall into a routine. While a routine life can be comfortable, changing your typical sequence of events can be helpful after a divorce. Examples of how to do this can include changing restaurants you visit, where you spend your free time and your associations.
Take proper care of yourself
It’s easy to let depression and anxiety get the best of you after a divorce. However, experts suggest taking steps to better care for yourself. While it can feel challenging, now could be the perfect time to start exercising. This type of exercise doesn’t have to be anything grueling. Even something as simple as walking around the block can boost your serotonin levels. You may also consider engaging in fitness-related activities with a friend or family member.
The aftermath of a divorce often causes a mixture of feelings, including anger, sadness and confusion. However, this time also lets you rediscover the most important relationship in your life: the one you have with yourself.