Dealing with Fatigue During Divorce

Divorce can affect nearly every aspect of your life, and your energy level is one of them. So it makes sense that divorce fatigue is a common issue among people who have recently ended a marriage. Whether you’re thinking about divorce and want to be prepared for any physical issues or think you may be suffering from divorce fatigue already, here’s what you need to know.

Why Exhaustion Occurs

First, you should understand why divorce makes you tired. There are actually several reasons. You might have trouble sleeping, since the stress of divorce can lead to insomnia that just won’t go away. Maybe you’re tired because you’re working more in order to pay for the costs of divorce, such as child or spousal support. Even if you don’t have to pay for any type of support, you might have to work more because you had to or need to move, which costs money. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to suffer from depression during divorce, and that can cause you to feel constantly tired. Regardless of the reasons for your fatigue, it’s up to you to fight the exhaustion you feel during (and after) your divorce.

Focus on Getting More Sleep

As you can probably guess, the simplest way to fight exhaustion is by getting ample sleep on a regular basis. Granted, that’s not always easy, especially if you’re suffering from insomnia or have to work long hours. But still, you should do your best to get as close to eight hours of sleep per 24 hours as possible. This might mean going to bed earlier or taking a nap on days when you didn’t get enough sleep the night before. Inadequate sleep can hurt your health, and if you ignore the issue, you’ll end up worse off in the long run.

Get Help From Your Doctor

If you’re dealing with insomnia during your divorce, talk to your doctor to see what your treatment options are. Your doctor might suggest medication, a massage or another form of treatment for the stress that’s likely the underlying cause of the insomnia. Either way, the sooner you get the treatment you need, the sooner your body will start getting the right amount of rest.

Take Care of Yourself

It’s important to pay closer attention to your health than ever before. You are going through a major life change. Even if it is for the better, it might take some time for your body to overcome the symptoms of the stress you’re feeling during the divorce. If you’re feeling run down, take a day or two off work to just sleep or relax at home. Start planning a vacation, whether it’s with friends or family, or alone. This is a good time to reconnect with yourself. If a vacation isn’t on the horizon, at least take a day trip somewhere, see a good movie or get a massage. And be sure to keep up with your health, starting by making a doctor’s appointment to address any physical symptoms you’re feeling.

If you’re just starting the divorce process and are trying to plan ahead, make sure you hire a family law attorney with years of experience dealing with divorce cases. At the  Edgar & Dow, we strive to help you feel comfortable and in good hands as we take on the legal issues involved in your divorce. Please contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.