While no one ever really anticipates that their fairytale wedding won’t end in “happily ever after,” divorce is a reality for many American couples. In fact, one divorce takes place every 36 seconds. And while data makes it clear you’re not alone if your partnership has dissolved, it can definitely feel that way when you’re in the thick of it.
Whether you’ve lost your sense of identity throughout your marriage or you’re struggling to cope with the grief you’re experiencing, putting yourself first can feel foreign to many of us — especially women. While there’s nothing that says you should try to regain your confidence by focusing solely on your appearance, pampering yourself can help you prioritize your own well-being at a time when you might otherwise feel completely lost. If you’ve recently gone through a divorce and are looking to get your groove back, here are a few beauty tips that will guide you on your journey from heartbroken to total badass.
Get a Haircut (But Don’t Go Crazy)
Going through a drastic hair transformation is almost cliche when you’ve gone through a divorce (which is technically the dissolution of a marriage). But just because it’s common doesn’t mean you should dismiss its merits. Getting a fresh new ‘do can help you feel more confident and literally take some weight off your shoulders. A subtle trim can help you feel more pulled together, while some highlights can improve your mood. Don’t aim to walk out of the salon as an unrecognizable version of yourself, but don’t be afraid to take a small risk, either. After all, hair grows back — and you’d be amazed by how a fresh style can change the way you carry yourself.
Rethink Your Wardrobe
This is a great time to de-clutter your closet and get rid of the items that no longer serve you. No doubt, your style has probably changed quite a bit over the years. And if you’re holding onto items that no longer fit or that simply don’t feel like “you,” you could actually be holding yourself back from taking important steps toward your future. Whether you decide to create a capsule wardrobe or you simply want to get rid of anything that’s more than 20 years old, take this opportunity to reconsider what you want to say with what you wear. Don’t hang onto anything that fails to bring you joy or that doesn’t make you feel good while wearing it. These clothes can have a new life with someone else and you can stop feeling bad about whatever is too small or too outdated to wear.
Give Your Skin Some TLC
A youthful appearance is important for many women. Although more than 90,000 women undergo breast reductions each year, others are convinced they need a facelift in order to stay beautiful. What you might not realize is that you really don’t need to go under the knife to look young, fresh, and happy. Taking good care of your skin is a great way to start. Be sure to use a moisturizer formulated for your skin type and wear sunscreen every day. Using a product with retinol can also encourage skin cell turnover. If you haven’t already started using an eye cream, you should also add that to your regimen. Those who enjoy at-home face masks or foot treatments might want to add those to their list of weekend activities, as well. Two of the most basic things you can do for your skin won’t really cost a thing, though. If you get lots of sleep and drink lots of water, you’ll be well on your way to a glowing complexion.
Move Your Body
During a stressful time, that emotional toll can manifest in physical discomfort. If you’re going through a divorce, don’t be surprised if you feel aches and pains in your body due to increased tension or emotional turmoil. While you may feel like crawling under the covers for the next year, one of the best things you can do for your body is to move it. That doesn’t mean you need to be hyper-focused on getting a “revenge body.” You don’t need to prove to your ex what he’s missing by dropping 40 pounds and spending all your free time at the gym. Instead, focus on how moving your body makes you feel. Whether you take a walk each day, go for a swim a couple of days a week, or do some occasional yoga stretches in your living room, movement is one of the ways to show yourself some love. Rethink the mindset of exercising as a form of punishment; instead, try to think of this as a reward that will decrease pain and keep you feeling more fulfilled.
Going through a divorce is never easy. Even if your breakup wasn’t a total surprise, there’s still going to be a lot of emotional fallout to deal with. In addition to seeking out therapy and getting support from your loved ones, these tips can help you feel more beautiful both inside and out.