THE AURIT CENTER Divorce is an emotional process. It can bring waves of fear and anxiety — and hope for a brighter future. Now is the time to focus on your well-being. Put on your oxygen mask first. The better you are there for yourself, the better you can be there for the ones who matter most. How compassionately can you treat yourself?
By choosing mediation, you’ve taken the first caring step toward prioritizing what matters most for you and your kids. Self-compassion can become your anchor during the divorce mediation process, keeping your head above water, during some challenging times.
Renowned psychologist Kristin Neff describes self-compassion as extending kindness and understanding to yourself, especially during times of difficulty. It’s about treating yourself with the same warmth and care you would offer a dear friend facing a similar challenge.
When you feel sadness, anger, fear, or confusion, self-compassion allows you to acknowledge that all these feelings are OK. We’re allowed to feel them. They are normal human emotions that give you important information. Most importantly, they alert you — in the moment you feel them — to support yourself.
When you approach yourself with kindness, you create a safe inner space to process difficult emotions, make thoughtful decisions, and move forward with greater clarity and resilience.
Self-care is so important before, during, and after mediation. Taking care of yourself can help you reduce stress, make clear decisions, and maintain or improve your overall well-being. At Aurit Mediation, we understand the importance of self-care and are here to support you every step of the way.
Self-Care (def.): Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve your physical and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even a small act of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. (Source)
Mediation offers a healthy, supportive path through divorce. And while your mediator is there to guide you through sensitive conversations, it’s normal to need time to process the changes you are going through.
Self-care is not selfish. It helps you communicate effectively during and after mediation, make informed decisions, and stay calm during tough moments. These skills will continue to benefit you as you move forward, especially in building a positive relationship with your children and in the co-parenting journey ahead.
Mindfulness (def.): the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us”(Source).
Practicing Mindfulness and Managing Stress
Mindfulness is a simple yet powerful tool that helps you stay present and steady. Practicing daily mindfulness daily can reduce stress, improve focus, and bring calm to the process. Here are a few simple ways to practice:
Meditation (def.) : Be(ing) the silent watcher of your thoughts and behavior. You are beneath the thinker. You are the stillness beneath the mental noise. You are the love and joy beneath the pain. ~Eckhart Tolle (Source)
Our physical health impacts our emotional health. Try to get enough rest, eat healthy foods, and stay active. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate; even a short walk or yoga session can make a big difference.
Did you know? Studies show that exercise and standard antidepressant treatments are equally effective. (Source)
A strong support system is invaluable during divorce mediation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or a therapist. Talking to someone you trust can help you process and feel more grounded.
Grounding exercise: Take a moment to breathe, observe the world around you, and make a note of what you notice. “Today, I noticed….” is a great way to start a journal entry!
Here are a few additional self-care tips that can help you navigate the divorce mediation process:
Prioritizing self-care during divorce mediation can positively impact the agreements reached and your overall well-being. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. At Aurit Mediation, we’re committed to supporting you throughout thethrough the entire journey. By caring for yourself, you’ll be equipped to navigate this time and emerge feeling stronger and more at peace.
