It is important that after the divorce you take care of your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing as you start over. Focus on what is best for you and don’t worry about what other women are doing. Every trip will be different.

Fabulous after the divorce

Here are some helpful tips to get you started on optimizing your life after divorce.

1. Find a training partner

Exercise increases endorphins, but everyone has days when motivation isn’t there. A responsible partner can help enormously. Ask a friend if you can try their gym with a guest pass. If you already have a workout routine, find someone who is in the same class you are doing at the gym and connect. You can join a local running, hiking, or hiking club that meets at the same time each week, or sign up for dance lessons at a local club. The key is to keep popping up and of course you will develop workout buddies. You will look forward to seeing them and encouraging each other.

2. Update your closet

Looking in style will build your confidence. Invite a friend over and walk through your closet together. Remove items that you haven’t worn in six months or that bring back unpleasant memories. You can follow fashion accounts on social media to see what’s trending for your age group. Imagine a subscription service where you can enter your preferences and have new items sent straight to your mailbox. Visit your local boutique and ask for advice. For budget-friendly options, shop at a local broadcast or a thrift store. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The goal is to include some fresh pieces that will make you feel fabulous.

3. Discover new recipes

Now is a good time to branch out into the kitchen. When you incorporate fresh, healthy meals into your current routine, you’ll feel great. Learning new recipes to add to the mix can be fun and refreshing. You can sign up for a local cooking class that interests you. You may want to subscribe to a food delivery service that introduces you to various foods and invite friends to cook a new recipe together. You might want to start with recipes that are simple and won’t overwhelm you. You can even stroll through a farmers market to learn more about the season.

4. Take some time for yourself

You have likely spent a lot of time caring for others during your marriage. Now you need to take the time to do things that make you happy and not make you feel guilty. Think back to your childhood and what delighted you then and try it now. Be on the lookout for new activity in the community and log in to get involved. Take yourself out to dinner or watch a movie. It is perfectly acceptable, and often a good idea, to self-medicate.

5. Expand your network

This time of your life is a great time to meet new friends. Support groups can help you process feelings with others who are experiencing the same situation. Talking to others about life, career, children, or something important can help you move forward. You could look for clubs specific to your hobbies or switch to different ones. If you are new to managing finances, find a women’s personal finance or investment group. Some groups fit better than others. So expect a little trial and error to find your people. Remember, you are not alone and it is healthy to ask for help.

There is an adjustment period after the divorce, but taking care of yourself will help you find your way through this new chapter. It is also an opportunity to develop healthy habits in the future. Have mercy on yourself and remember that you are a fabulous woman.