Anyone who has ever gone through a divorce will admit that the process is stressful. Divorce can be energy-draining even if it’s not adversarial with both parties at one another’s throats.

One thing you can do to facilitate a fast, smooth process is to find the right family law lawyer.

“Find a divorce lawyer who specializes in applicable laws and has specific expertise with regard to your exact situation,” says Rowdy Williams from Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm P.C. “Even if you and your spouse can reach an agreement outside of a courtroom, getting good legal advice from a divorce lawyer can help.”

After ending your marriage and moving forward with the rest of your life, you need to take some time to focus on yourself and, if applicable, your children.

Here’s a look at five things you should do after getting a divorce — you’ll thank yourself later.

1. Get whatever help you need

One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your kids after a divorce is to seek help. Would you or your kids benefit from speaking to a therapist who can help with coming to terms with such a life-altering event? 

Even if you don’t need professional help, it’ll make sense to surround yourselves with supportive family and friends who can empathize and simply be there. If you have children, ensure they know you’re there for them. They should know they can ask whatever questions they want or come to you for support anytime. Having a strong, supporting circle will make getting through a divorce more manageable for you and your children.

2. Get enough sleep

Are you getting enough sleep? If not, you’re short-changing yourself healthwise. According to the CDC, teens need eight to 10 hours of sleep per night, adults between the ages of 18 and 60 need seven or more hours of sleep per night, and adults between the ages of 61 and 64 need seven to nine hours of sleep per night. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, you have a higher risk of hypertension, depression, stroke, obesity, heart attack, and diabetes. So, make it a point to get enough sleep at night, and encourage your children to do so as well. It’s a vital part of self-care.

3. Get enough exercise

Proper health isn’t just about eating right, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep. You also need to get enough physical activity every day. You don’t have to go to a gym to get the exercise you need. Do you have an exercise bike or treadmill at home? Get in the habit of using it for half hour or more per day. You can also go for long walks or jogs in your neighborhood. If you have friends who love to stay fit, arrange times when you and your friends can get fit and stay healthy together. It’s a great way to get motivation since you can hold one another accountable. 

4. Get away for awhile 

Sometimes getting away for a while can work wonders. It doesn’t have to involve getting on a plane and traveling to some exotic locale. That might be nice, but it might not be practical on the heels of a divorce. You might want to instead take the kids on a road trip just to get a change of scenery for a while. Pack up the kids, the family dog, and enjoy some time away. 

5. Nurture relationships

Even if you feel under the weather after a divorce, make the effort to stay connected with people you care about. You could invite friends over for breakfast, go out to a restaurant with family for lunch, and do other things to stay in touch and keep connected with those who matter most.

If you’re going through a divorce, keep these self-care tips in mind. It’ll be a stressful ordeal, but knowing how to handle it will ensure you and your kids get what you need to move forward.