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Managing an Amicable Divorce— C O N N E C T // relationships + you really? on's most that reveals a pers hanging event n often be a life-c to manage Divorce ca a spouse. Learning f parting from , is an tions in the wake o painful emo st interest at heart your child's be ngs, while keeping ground. your own feeli e journey to higher th important part of N avigating life and parenting post-divorce can test a person's patience, as well as relationships with extended family and friends. Despite the failure of their marriage, many couples agree to separate on good terms for the sake of their children and their own mental health. However, practicing restraint in front of the children during painful confrontations with an ex may be easier said than done. Depending on the terms or conditions of the split, co-parenting amicably with your ex may seem impossible at first, but in the long run can provide your children with a sense of stability and connectedness to both parents, regardless of who has custody. Setting a good example of forgiveness and respect is one of the best gifts you can give your child and yourself. making strides The following is a list of tips to help you work through the difficult period of adjustment and chart a course to a new and better life: • Open up to close friends, family or a support group who can help you constructively process feelings of grief, anger or loss. No matter how alone you may feel, resist the temptation to isolate yourself. • Take better care of your body and mind by joining a gym or fitness group. Staying physically active can lower stress levels and help you sleep better at night. • Make time to heal, regroup and re-energize by focusing on the positive changes that lie ahead. • Try to maintain a sense of stability for you and your children by sticking to a routine schedule for meals, bedtimes and activities. 15 Help for a Broken Heart After a divorce, many people find themselves trying to process feelings of loss or grief. Grief is a natural part of the healing process that allows a person to confront the reality of the end of his or her marriage while learning to move on. Taking time to work through your tangled emotions can be cathartic. Enlisting the help of a therapist or mental health counselor who can help you develop a good set of emotional or mental tools for dealing with your grief can often improve your recovery process and help you feel better faster. If you need help coping following a divorce, confidential assessments, consultation, support, information and referrals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit TriStarHealth.com and click on "Behavioral Health" under "Services" to learn more.