How a Man Can Move Forward from a Divorce

When we exchange the wedding vows, we expect it to last forever. Still, many couples in the U.S. file for divorce or legal separation each year.

Leaving behind a relationship that used to be one of the most important in your life can be heartbreaking. It may seem impossible to find happiness and regain confidence in yourself after a divorce.

Although healing after separation from your ex-spouse can be a painful and lengthy process, it is possible. Here are some guidelines to help you figure out how a man can move forward from a divorce and set free from the emotional burden.

Find what Brings You Happiness

A post-divorce time is a right time to set boundaries, take care of yourself, and think of things that bring you happiness.

According to psychologists, small things can significantly impact our happiness, mood, and sense of well-being. They also argue that happiness is something we constantly need to work on.

So, be proactive after a divorce – get outside, exercise daily, meditate, start a new hobby, or volunteer in your community. Staying socially and physically active can alleviate post-divorce stress and negative feelings and help you meet new people. It can also help you regain confidence and find happiness in everyday things.

Start the Habit of Expressing Gratitude Each Day

Research shows that a regular gratitude exercise can make you more sensitive to experiencing happiness. It can boost your mood and optimism, improve resilience, and help overcome negative thoughts that trigger anxiety and depression.

Accept Your Feelings

It is natural to go through a grieving process after a divorce. Grief is a natural reaction to a loss. Although a divorce is a different kind of a loss than death, it is still a loss – a loss of a relationship, security, certainty, habits, future plans, etc.

So, allow yourself to grieve. Let yourself feel vulnerable, sad, hurt, or angry. Suppressing emotions after a divorce can profoundly impact your physical and mental health and lead to anxiety, depression, and other illnesses. Find positive outlets for emotional expression instead, such as journaling, gratitude, mindfulness, art, or physical activity.

Obtain Confidence in Yourself After a Divorce by Changing the Way You Think

Going through a divorce can affect your life and well-being in many ways. It is not unusual to find yourself struggling with low self-esteem and shrunken confidence after a separation.

Studies show that low confidence and self-esteem often stem from our inner critic – our negative thoughts and self-criticism. Namely, many people tend to see a marriage failure as proof of their own incompetence or worthlessness.

So, start your healing process by changing your dysfunctional thinking patterns. Self-care strategies such as mindfulness, journaling, or positive affirmations can help reframe your negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.

Also, consider seeking professional mental health. Psychotherapy or counseling can help you identify and replace unhelpful thoughts, promoting awareness that your marriage disappointment doesn’t define you.

Final Thoughts

A divorce is one of the most stressful life events, so don’t be harsh on yourself if you feel defeated and depleted after your relationship loss. Remember that recovery after a divorce is a process that may take time, but you will heal eventually.

Hopefully, these tips will help you bounce back after a divorce, boost your confidence and find happiness again.

Reference Articles

https://www.fatherly.com/love-money/what-is-divorce-rate-america/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/men-after-divorce-ego-sel_b_3145814

https://www.mentalhelp.net/self-esteem/changing-negative-thoughts/

https://www.verywellmind.com/negative-self-talk-and-how-it-affects-us-4161304

https://positivepsychology.com/express-emotions/

https://www.businessinsider.com/science-backed-things-that-make-you-happier-2015-6

https://www.heysigmund.com/happiness-the-small-things/