Divorces can often times be messy. A divorce can, for many people, be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. Regardless of how emotionally invested you are in a dissolving relationship, it is important to take care of both your physical and mental health.
When grappling with stress, people may turn to food, drugs, alcohol, or even complete isolation. Although many vices may help cope with stress, all of them are not healthy. There is, however, one beneficial way that is proven to help alleviate stress and improve your overall well-being. Physical exercise!
In addition to helping quell some of life’s stresses, exercise helps in the following ways:
- Improved respiration, cardiac output, and vascular system;
- Increased muscular strength, endurance, and bone density;
- Improved flexibility;
- Improved digestion and bowel function;
- Improved sensory skills;
- Decreased stress, insomnia, and depression;
- Increased social interaction;
During the Fall 2019 semester, the legal clinics participated in Zumba classes hosted on campus at SMU. Participants were asked about their stress levels both before and after participating in Zumba. All student participants reported that they had high stress levels (mostly due to the rigors of law school), but were much more at ease and relaxed after each class. Each participant remarked on the benefits of exercise with Zumba, and stated that they would like to take up Zumba more regularly as a means to tackle stress in their lives.
Our physical and emotional health should always be a priority, but these warrant special attention during difficult life events such as a divorce. Remember that you are always in control, and that your circumstances need not hold you captive. Take care of yourself, good people.
Written By: Trenton Patterson, 3L chief counsel in the SMU VanSickle Family Law Clinic.