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I’m a Divorce Lawyer, and This is the #1 Thing I Tell My Clients to Do

As a seasoned divorce lawyer, I see far too many of my clients putting off the one thing they absolutely need to be doing throughout this emotionally complex process: making time for self-care. You are being pulled in so many different directions and are experiencing a sea of transitions – it is so easy to get swept up in the stress of it all that physical and mental health take a back seat.

I want you to come out of this process feeling better than you ever have. That idea seems crazy, I know – but it is possible. What if your divorce didn't have to be the worst thing ever? What if it could be the launch of something new – a journey to a happier, more fulfilled, and present you?

In my 16+ years of practicing family law, I can tell you that the clients who spent even one or two hours per week on themselves felt far more grounded, at peace, healthy, and ready to love (again). Self-care isn't just about traditionally feminine stuff (spa days, long baths, etc.). There are a ton of ways to prioritize yourself – guys and gals alike.

Examples?

  • Weekly or monthly meetings with a life coach or wellness consultant (my favorites include Annie Wright and Allie Stark).
  • 15 to 20 minutes per eve meditating or yoga-ing with a great app like Down Dog or Headspace.
  • Writing down your most self-loathing thoughts and then throwing them in a fire (don't believe everything you think!).
  • Spending time with someone who makes you laugh and feel good about yourself or inspires you to be a better you.

I am so obsessed with self-care that I've compiled a whole resource category of wellness suggestions. Our health and wellness section is full of fabulous, curated, ideas from experts, our clients, partners, and advisors.

Case in point: Annie and I created a worksheet that could be applicable to everyone – male or female, young or old, tall or short! Our Self-Care Worksheet walks you through a decision-making process that starts with booking – and committing – to time just for you, and then takes you through a series of questions to help you plan and choose an activity that feels right for you, depending on what you need in this moment and as you grow toward the next version of you.

Let's face it: if it doesn't get scheduled, it won't get done. So please promise me one thing: you'll carve out at least one hour in the next week just for yourself. Do something that makes you feel as amazing, unique, and special as you are. It will give you the strength to persevere and the perspective to know that you're continuing down the right path for yourself.

Download the Self-Care Worksheet now to get started.

This post originally appeared on Worthy.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Founder, CEO & Certified Family Law Specialist
Mediation, Divorce Strategy, Divorce Insights, Legal Insights
After over a decade of experience as a Certified Family Law Specialist, Mediator and law firm owner, Erin was fed up with the inefficient and adversarial “divorce corp” industry and set out to transform how consumers navigate divorce - starting with the legal process. By automating the court bureaucracy and integrating expert support along the way, Hello Divorce levels the playing field between spouses so that they can sort things out fairly and avoid missteps. Her access to justice work has been recognized by the legal industry and beyond, with awards and recognition from the likes of Women Founders Network, TechCrunch, Vice, Forbes, American Bar Association and the Pro Bono Leadership award from Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Erin lives in California with her husband and two children, and is famously terrible at board games.