Dec 30, 2014

Divorce is a really hard and stressful occurrence. Even if you’ve decided to split amicably and feel that it was for the best, it can still make you feel lonely, vulnerable and overwhelmed. During the holiday season, it’s likely to hit you harder as you make plans without your spouse this year and arrive to holiday get-togethers as a single person.

Rather than sulk this holiday season over the failure of what was your marriage, why not use it as a chance to start over? The first thing you should do is to make sure you are staying connected with others and the best place to start is by doing something for others. Stop focusing on your and start focusing on others in need to lift your own spirits. Here are some tips on handling the holiday season during a divorce.

Trade Shifts with a Coworker

One easy place to start with helping someone else this holiday season in order to cope better with your divorce is to help those around you. Maybe you have a coworker that was scheduled to work during a holiday shift that is keeping them from their children. Trading shifts to help them out while you feel good giving someone the gift of time this holiday season.

Adopt a Family for the Holidays

There are charities in town that allow you to adopt a family for the holidays. For example, children with parents in the hospital and no relatives to care for them need someone to help them out. Taking care of a little one for a month may put life into perspective and make you appreciate what you have.

Visit a Nursing Home

Visiting a nursing home is a great way to brighten up someone’s day with such little effort. Ask the activities director about their Christmas schedule so that you can help volunteer for the events. This will mean so much to someone else while cheering you up, as well.

Help a Soup Kitchen

Another great way to cope with your divorce is to give back through a soup kitchen. Imagine not having a home to enjoy a holiday meal this year and you’ll quickly want to help others get a warm meal. Visit a soup kitchen to help serve the less-fortunate this Christmas.

If you’re looking for a healthy way to cope with your divorce, giving back and connecting with others is the best way to speed up the process.