How to cope with all we are seeing and protect our families
Firstly, I want to send out my support and thoughts to anyone suffering from the recent flooding, cyclone and earthquake. Can we have any more natural disasters? What a start to 2023 it has been!
For everyone, it has been an emotional roller coaster whether you have been in the direct effect of the events or watching on TV. As a nation, we’re feeling the weight of people losing their homes and livelihoods.
If you're separating, this can seem like too much to bear. During this time, it’s important to prioritise your safety and well-being first. Ensure you and your family have a dry place to stay, food, and medical attention if needed.
Secondly, connecting with family and friends who can support you through this difficult time is important. If you need professional help or counselling to manage the stress and emotional toll of separation and natural disasters, then do so. You can reach out to me; I have a range of professional colleagues whom I trust to work with and can connect you with.
Although it may have been difficult in the past - communication is key during these times, so be open and honest with your ex-partner about your situation. If you need help to do this, again, I am here to advise and have a collaborative approach with you both.
Finally, be patient with yourself and the infrastructure; everyone is doing their best and take things one day at a time.
Post Holiday Blues - 5 tips to get you back into the year ahead
The transition from holiday mode, wearing kaftans and Birkenstocks, back to suits and shiny shoes can be an adjustment. So can the alarm beeping away telling you it’s time to get your morning routine done before the pattering of feet down the hall, breakfast demands, and the never-ending lunchbox filling begins.
This grind leaves many of us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and unproductive. Here are some of my helpful tips for getting over the post-holiday hump and transitioning back to our regular routines.
1. Take it slow
When you return, don't try to jump straight back into your regular routine. Give yourself and the family time to adjust by doing the essentials first – dressed, breakfast, teeth, lunch, school/work. Leave all the mini chores and extras for the following week. Make these achievable goals for the first few days and gradually increase your workload as you ease back into the swing of things. This will help prevent burnout and make the transition smoother.
2. Get organized
One of the best ways to beat the post-holiday blues is to get organised. Take some time to plan out your schedule, both work and family. Prioritise tasks that need to happen first and make short to-do lists. This will help you stay focused and on track, reducing stress and anxiety.
3. Practice self-care
It's essential to prioritize self-care during this transition period. Ensure you get enough sleep and into bed earlier than in holiday mode, eat healthily and drink in moderation (no more wine o’clock at 3 pm!), and take breaks throughout the day. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you feel more energized and productive, reducing the chances of burnout later in the year.
4. Stay connected
After spending time with loved ones during the holidays, it's easy to feel lonely or isolated when you return to work. Stay connected with family and friends by scheduling phone calls and planning your catch-up to keep something to look forward to. This will help you feel more supported and connected and less lonely.
5. Focus on the positives
Set a daily habit of focusing on the positives of returning to your regular routine – seeing everyone at the school gate again, your favourite coffee, sleeping in your own bed. Instead of dwelling on summer being over, focus on the opportunities and possibilities that come with the new year. Setting goals and focusing on the future will help you stay motivated and optimistic.
Personally, for me it’s been creating a new routine as my daughter moves away to start university. After 17 years, I have one less lunchbox to fill and dinner to make. It is a strange feeling if I am honest.
It is a bittersweet moment. I feel a sense of pride and excitement for the new opportunities and experiences she will have, but also a sense of sadness and nostalgia for the years that have passed. It's a reminder that time moves quickly, and we must cherish every moment we have with our loved ones, even though they can be annoying at times too!
I know that the beginning of the year can be an especially stressful time for couples who have been separating or thinking about it. It is a very busy time in the office as separating couples want to start the year fresh and have all their family law issues such as property division, parenting and contact issues and contracting out agreements sorted.
After the holiday season, emotions can be high, and the reality of the situation can set in. Many have had well-meaning but ill-informed family and friends in their ears about what they should ‘get’ and how the other party is being unreasonable. New Year's resolutions play a part in parties wanting to be a better version of themselves and create a new life. Many meet new partners in all the festivities. This all bubbles up to the surface and can harm the desired outcomes.
Communication is crucial, and couples should try to remain civil and respectful throughout the separation process, particularly if children are involved. It can be challenging, but by focusing on well-being and seeking support, couples can move forward and start a new chapter in their lives.
Take care,
Jane
P.S. If you feel like you want to connect about either of these topics, or any other Family Law concern you have please call me during business hours on 022 345 7187 or book a free 15 minute consultation by choosing a time. Alternatively if you know you want to proceed then please book a time that suits you and we can get started. Pick either by using this link >
