Mindfulness is your secret weapon against divorce stress. Science-backed research from top universities shows that mindfulness isn’t just wellness fluff, it’s a legit and proven way to build your emotional strength. And when you’re emotionally strong, life’s curveballs (hello, divorce drama!) don’t hit quite so hard.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is about being present in the moment — fully aware of where we are and what we’re doing, without getting overwhelmed by our surroundings.
Mindfulness requires us to focus on the present rather than dwell on the past or worry about the future. It can help us move away from automatic responses and destructive behaviors towards greater intentionality.
Why mindfulness actually works
Studies suggest that mindfulness can do a lot more than just help you feel calm in the moment. It can reduce anxiety and depression, give your immune system a boost, and even help you manage chronic pain. On top of that, mindfulness has been linked to breaking unhealthy habits, improving sleep, lowering high blood pressure, and—here’s the really fascinating part—changing the structure and function of your brain in positive ways.
These effects don’t just stop with us; they extend into our daily lives and even influence our communities in positive ways. So, embracing mindfulness isn’t just about finding inner peace; it’s about creating a ripple effect of wellness that touches everyone around us.
Try the game-changing stress breath
Try this super simple (and wildly effective) breathing technique called the “Fog-The-Mirror.” You can use it anywhere, anytime. It not only helps calm your nerves but also triggers your body’s relaxation response in a matter of minutes.*
Here’s how it works – Imagine you’re trying to fog up a mirror with your breath. As you inhale deeply, make an audible “haaaaaaaa” sound from the back of your throat. 🔑 This vibration + sound is key because it’s actually triggering your body’s built-in relaxation system. It signals your vagus nerve to shift out of your stress response to a more relaxed state.
Hold your breath. Lower your chin to your chest. Count to 5.
Slowly exhale through your nose as you lift your head and make the audible “haaaaaa” sound as if you were fogging up a mirror.
Kick it off slow and steady by trying 4-6 rounds of breath. As you get better, work up to 12-16 rounds of breath. Use it whenever you are feeling stressed or to ground yourself before a tough meeting of conversation.
*For all our yogis, this is also called “ocean breath” or “Ujjayi breath.”
Add this tool to your toolbox
Remember – none of this is about becoming a zen master or finding perfection. We’ve looked, it doesn’t exist. Mindfulness and breathing exercises are all about adding practical tools to your divorce survival kit, so you don’t just survive divorce, you thrive.
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