Last year, a story was reported involving a woman named Florence Williams and how she developed serious health problems after her husband walked out on her after 25 years of marriage. According to the New York Post, once her marriage fell apart and divorce was inevitable, Williams began noticing her health was suffering when she started feeling agitated and exhausted. From there, her health problems only grew:
- She went from weighing 125 pounds to weighing 105 pounds in five months.
- She began suffering from brain fog.
- She experienced sleeplessness.
- She began having heart palpitations and eye twitches.
- Her blood pressure spiked.
- She began suffering from anxiety and depression.
- She developed Type-1 diabetes.
Williams and her physicians were shocked by the toll her divorce took on her. Williams, who is an award-winning science writer, began researching the health dangers of heartbreak. She spent three years researching the subject. Some of her most interesting findings include:
- The end of a marriage ranks just behind the death of a loved one as far as stressfulness goes.
- The end of a marriage is considered a costly life event. For context, smoking is also considered a costly life event.
- People who get divorced, or who are in bad marriages, have higher rates of cancer, heart attack, and stroke than those in happy marriages.
- People produce fewer T-cells immediately after divorce. T-cells help us fight off cancer and infections.
- People who are having relationship problems or who are experiencing heartbreak have higher rates of heart disease.
Williams has published a book about her findings. The book is titled Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey.
Tips for Staying Healthy During the Divorce Process
Anyone who has gone through a divorce knows that it can be a very emotionally volatile time for all parties involved. With that in mind, if you’re going through a divorce, it is important to take care of yourself both mentally and physically during the process. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy during your divorce:
- Don't skip meals or eat unhealthy foods just because you're stressed. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet is essential for feeling healthy and strong, especially during times of stress. It’s important to think about your long-term health when making meal choices, rather than trying to find quick shortcuts or relying on junk food. Processed and fast foods are often high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat, which can lead to weight gain and other health concerns. In addition, eating regularly throughout the day allows your body to have a steady supply of energy. Try aiming for three meals and two healthy snacks.
- Get plenty of exercise, even if it's just going for a walk around the block. Exercise is an essential part of staying physically and mentally healthy. It helps to reduce anxiety, improves sleep quality, and can even boost mood. Even if you cannot get in a full workout due to time constraints, at the very least make sure you are getting your blood pumping by taking a brisk walk or jog around your neighborhood a few times a week.
- Talk to somebody about what you're going through. Having someone to talk to is an essential part of coping with difficult situations. Open up and express how you're feeling. Not only can it help relieve the pressure, but having another person's perspective can provide valuable insight. It doesn't necessarily have to be a therapist, although that option is certainly helpful for more serious issues. Often just talking things out with a friend or family member can be immensely beneficial.
- Make sure to get enough sleep, even if that means taking a nap during the day. Ensuring that you get enough sleep is incredibly important, as it directly affects your mental and physical health. Many people struggle to get enough rest at night, meaning they may need to make up sleep during the day. Taking a short nap can be an excellent way to catch up on restorative sleep, allowing you to feel refreshed and ready to take on whatever life throws at you. Keep in mind that naps should be no longer than 30 minutes. This is because attempting to take too many naps, or taking naps that are longer than 30 minutes, can disrupt your circadian rhythm and make it harder for you to sleep at night.
- Take some time for yourself every day, even if it's just reading a book, taking a bath, or meditating. Taking some time each day to relax and de-stress is important for your mental health. Dedicating just a few minutes to yourself can help clear away the chaos of daily life and help you refocus on what is important.
If you’re considering divorce, reach out to Rech Law, P.C. We have been guiding clients in Charlotte and its surrounding communities through the divorce process for years. Our experienced divorce lawyers will listen to you and what you want, and we’ll right there by your side throughout the entire process. We’ll protect your rights, and make sure you’re aware of all the options available to you at every stage of your journey.
For more information about Rech Law, P.C., read our clients’ testimonials.
Call us at (704) 659-0007 or get in touch with us online today for a confidential consultation with our dedicated divorce attorneys in Charlotte.