Stress is cumulative. What that means, according to psychologists, is that stresses build upon each other and turn into a giant pyramid. The smaller stresses at the top can have the same effect on your day as a huge stress would. While your Durham divorce lawyer is handling the legal aspects of your divorce case, it’s your responsibility to take care of yourself.
The Build-Up of Stress in Real-Life Terms
Let’s say you backed into your garage door on your way to work on Monday morning; that’s a pretty big stressor.
On Tuesday, you got a flat tire; after Monday’s fiasco, your flat tire might pack a bigger emotional punch than it ordinarily would.
On Wednesday, your ex called about changing the amount of child support you two have already agreed upon; that’s probably one of the last things you want to discuss.
On Thursday, you were late for work and forgot your lunch—a double-whammy that might have ruined your entire day.
On Friday, your boss looked at you funny and you seriously considered running from the building, screaming and yelling.
Everyday stressors, like a sidelong look from a co-worker or a little extra traffic, can feel like the end of the world if you haven’t given yourself the means to recover from the other stressors affecting you. Too much stress can even be detrimental to your health, so it’s important that you take a break from your own life now and then to recoup your strength and improve your resilience.
Backing Away from Stress During Divorce
It might not sound like much, but something as simple as putting in your favorite movie and curling up on the couch can go a long way in the fight against stress. You can also:
- Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C. Recent research at the University of Alabama says that it can put the brakes on the secretion of stress hormones.
- Play with your dog. Or your friend’s dog. The State University of New York at Buffalo says spending time with a pet is more effective at reducing stress than spending time with other people.
- Challenge your brain. Do a crossword puzzle, play Angry Birds or find something that forces you to meet a challenge. Don’t play unending games, though; they can cause more stress.
There are dozens of other “little” ways to chase away stress that can help you deal with the everyday ups and downs during your divorce, too. The important thing is that you manage your stress so that you can make the best decisions possible when your Durham divorce lawyer gives you advice.
