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Have you ever tried to reframe a problem?  Taken a bad situation and decided to think of it as an opportunity instead?  You may have done this with a situation at work. Perhaps you did not receive the promotion you wanted but rather than become upset, you decide instead to be grateful for the work you have and how your work load allows you to be home when your children are finished with school.

We do this a lot with children, too. When your son or daughter is not chosen for the school sports team or theatrical performance, you probably console them - and also point out all the other opportunities available such as local city sports teams, community theatre, and dance and vocal classes. But did you know that these same reframing techniques can be applied quite successfully to a divorce?  

Before you call me crazy, keep reading. For many, a divorce is the most stressful situation ever. It affects careers, friends, family, children – and even your health and well-being. It’s easy to see why. When you get married, you usually assume it's forever. And often it is.  But not always. In the U.S., approximately 50 percent of marriages end in divorce, which makes it a very real possibility for many of us. If you’re ever faced with a divorce, it's important to make sure that you continue to take care of yourself and implement lifestyle modification skills that can keep your stress level in check.

Even though you may feel as if your world is falling apart, do your best to continue to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, get enough rest, and attempt to reach those 10,000 steps a day.  These things may seem unimportant at the time, but they are all integral in keeping yourself healthy – physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

Lifestyle modification also includes stress management. If there was ever a time for stress management, it's during a divorce! This can take many forms – yoga, meditation, deep breathing, mind/body coaching or seeing a mental health professional. Talk with your physician about what technique is best for you.

Stress management can also include keeping the divorce amicable. Every divorce situation is different and, if an amicable divorce is an option, I recommend it. Amicable divorces can be easier on your health and well-being, which is important for you and, if you have children, for them and their health as well.

Dr. Elizabeth Ricanati is the mother of three children and founding medical director of The Cleveland Clinic's LifeStyle 180 program.  She is a regular columnist for ShareWIK.com

More Dr. Elizabeth Ricanati articles, click here.

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