The Value of Compartmentalization in your Union County Divorce
Compartmentalization is one of the best ways to deal with your divorce so you can get on with your life in Linden, Cranford, Elizabeth, and across Union County
Though the feelings surrounding divorce can be intense it doesn’t mean you should respond with the same intensity. In truth, extreme reactions can make the situation much more difficult than it needs to be. The stress surrounding a divorce should not be understated and according to a study by the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, it can have both physical and mental effects on your health.
Minimizing Effects of Divorce on Other Areas of Life
Compartmentalization of the issues surrounding your divorce allows you to minimize the effects on the divorce on the other aspects of your life so that they don’t take over your psychological landscape. It can allow you to focus on the other areas of your life with clarity, purpose and even enjoyment. In essence, disciplining yourself to deal with divorce issues at the appropriate time and then leave it until they need to be addressed again can keep you productive at work and allow you to have a positive attitude when dealing with your children, family or friends.
It is important to know that healthy compartmentalization does not mean that you deny or ignore your problems. When used with intention, compartmentalization is an intelligent way of remaining mentally strong during a challenging time, such as divorce.
The Steps to Divorce Compartmentalization
Forming a solid schedule for your “divorce time”…
Forming a solid schedule for your “divorce time” can go a long way toward making a potentially hectic time much more orderly. It is recommended that you set aside time to concentrate on your divorce. It is good to schedule as many as two hours per day, preferably during daytime hours. Daytime is better because working at night can bring up negative feelings that may keep you from sleeping properly. Proper rest can do a lot to help your mental stability and lower your overall stress level. Having scheduled times to work on your divorce can help relax you and make you feel more in control of daunting tasks.
Managing intrusive thoughts…
Managing intrusive thoughts, though sometimes difficult, can help with your psychological stability. The trauma of divorce may cause some people to become hypervigilant. This may make your mind continually scan the environment for threats, hoping to avoid danger. This can make you far more likely to overreact to events. This mindset not only raises stress levels but can lead to health problems. If it’s not one of the times you have scheduled to work on your divorce, then it is best not to let perceived dangers dominate your thoughts.
Practice purposeful distraction…
It is often helpful to practice purposeful distraction. If intrusive thoughts are persistent, and you’re struggling to think or talk about anything besides your divorce, you may need to develop and implement tools to distract yourself. However, it is important to note that distraction does not mean numbing. The use of drugs or alcohol as a distraction or numbing device can lead to far more problems than it may seem to solve. These are compulsive, self-destructive behaviors that will make you feel worse when you’re done.
Purposeful distraction means utilizing healthy coping strategies when you notice intrusive divorce thoughts. These strategies may include: spending time with friends and family, exercise, meditation, journaling, taking a walk, reading something inspirational or even taking up and working on a craft or hobby. These positive coping tools will help calm down your nervous system so you can put your divorce back on the shelf.
Things to remember when compartmentalizing your divorce
Though compartmentalization is an effective and important coping tool to use during the process of your divorce, there are several things that should be included and given the appropriate time and dedication.
Don’t forget to consult with an attorney
Firstly, don’t forget to consult with your attorney. An experienced attorney will make sure that everything that needs to be included in your compartmentalization, from a legal standpoint, is included in your routine.
Do not neglect your finances
Secondly, it is critical not to neglect your finances. If you are going through a divorce, you need to set aside money for all the expenses involved. Make copies of all your financial documents and legal records before your divorce proceedings begin. These documents should include bank and investment statements, wills, trusts, tax returns, property deeds, insurance policies, and vehicle titles to name a few. Keep these copies in a secure location not accessible by your ex.
Once these things are done, you will have the peace of mind of knowing you are prepared for the challenges ahead and there is no need for these financial matters to dominate your thoughts and give you stress.
Contact an Experienced Divorce Attorneys Today Who Understand Your Struggle and are here to Help
If you or a loved going through or considering divorce it is critical to have effective legal counsel and representation as soon as possible. At Edward Cooper Law Firm, our team of attorneys is experienced in supporting and fiercely representing our clients in divorce proceedings in Linden, Cranford, Elizabeth, and across Union County. No matter your situation you don’t have to confront it alone.
To connect with our firm today in a confidential and comprehensive assessment of your case, please contact us online or through our Linden, NJ offices at (908) 481-4625.
