For many people going through a divorce, the prospect of moving out and living alone can be scary. Although people cope in different ways, there are certain things you can do to make the adjustment easier. Below, we look at six things you can do to simplify the process.
1) Change the scenery
Regardless of whether you or your ex are moving out, re-invent your living space with a fresh perspective. Replace old photographs with pictures of your friends and family, and get creative with the furniture and walls. If you’ve always wanted to paint a wall a different color, now is the time to do it. The extra work can help keep your mind off the divorce, and it can give you a sense of accomplishment when finished.
2) Reconnect with friends
As you get older, the amount of close friends a person has tends to decrease. If you have more free time on your hands, consider re-connecting with some friends that you haven’t seen in a while. Organize a monthly get together and rotate who hosts each month. Doing this will give you something to look forward to each month, and it will allow you showcase your hosting skills when the party comes to your place. You can use these get-togethers as a way to try fun things like sampling new wines or trying a new recipe.
3) Connect with others
Joining interest groups is another fun way to meet people. Find something that interests you and search for other people who share the same passion. For example, you can join a weekly cooking class, or join a pool league at a local bar or restaurant. These are simple ways to meet new people, and it can be easier to break the ice and make new friends because you share similar interests. Joining a group that meets during the week can also help break up the work week.
4) Pick up a good book
Now that you have some more time on your hands, pick up some books that have been on your reading list. Reading stimulates the brain more than other activities like watching TV, and there are thousands of good books that can take your mind off a divorce. Pick up a classic or ask your friends what books they are reading. Or, check out this list of good books to read post-divorce.
5) Prepare yourself
Now that you’re on your own, you might find yourself in situations that you’ve never had to face by yourself. Consider learning how to change a flat tire, or join a service like AAA that offers roadside assistance. If your ex handled the home repairs, you might want to invest in a tool set in case anything goes wrong at your new place. Also, if you’re in a new place, find out where the fuse box is in case your power goes out. Being prepared for unforeseen obstacles can make sure the problem doesn’t turn into a major headache.
6) Make a list of goals
Many people see divorce as a way to start fresh. If there are things you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the time, make a list of goals for yourself. Writing things down can help you take the first step in achieving them, and it can serve as a tangible checklist of where you want to be 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months down the road. Consider putting both small goals and big goals on the list. While big things like “buy a new car” or “take an exotic vacation” may make the list, also put smaller goals on the list like “take a walk outside once a week” or “try three new recipes this month”.
Related source: Huffington Post
