Those of us who have gone through divorce know what a gift a daily exercise routine can be, especially when our metabolism is on fire. When attempting to get through each day, soon after the initial shock of realizing your life is being turned upside down and inside out, at least you can count on your exercise time. The one thing we can each control is whether or not we take good care of ourselves. My metabolism went into overdrive with the high levels of stress I was experiencing through my divorce. The body's automatic response to emotional trauma, such as divorce, is real. Being self-aware, taking the time to just breathe, exercise, eating a nutrient-filled diet and sleeping are all critical for your overall well-being.

Here are some ways to help you keep up your strength.

Your metabolism is on fire, so breathe:

I remember my body's own moment of truth. Within twenty-four hours of learning my husband would be leaving me and our two sons, my body went into metabolic overdrive. I remember losing 20 lbs. within one week from that first moment of truth. It didn't matter what I tried to eat, the weight kept falling off.  Be aware of your own metabolic changes as you move through your divorce. Do the best you can to be mindful of the stress you are experiencing and just breathe. Our body will speak loud and clear when we are experiencing emotional trauma; mine surely did.  Remember, taking good care of your health must be a top priority.

Eat, even though there is no taste:

Even though you will most likely have no desire to eat, do so anyways. Nothing tasted good to me, including my favorite soda, Coke.  I was well aware of the weight that was still coming off. My family and friends kept saying to me, "You are so thin, I wish I could eat what I want and still keep losing weight." I would think to myself, "I wouldn't wish going through a divorce on anyone in order to lose weight."  The best thing you can do if your metabolism is on fire is to eat an extra healthy diet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, consider drinking protein shakes, drink plenty of water, and take your daily vitamins and supplements. Feed your body as well as you can through this shocking time of your life. Your children need you to be strong for them, as well.

Take time to exercise, even though your metabolism is on fire:

With the reality that your metabolism may be working overtime, make sure to take time to exercise each day. It will be a gift to yourself in many ways as you navigate through the rough waters of your divorce. Make sure you set aside time each day to jog, walk, swim, participate in a group exercise class, cycle or practice yoga, etc. These healthy activities will clear your mind, give you added energy, increase your mental stamina, lift your spirits, and improve your self-confidence and determination as you endure the challenging road ahead. Your exercise routine each day will recharge your battery, reminding you that "you can do this!" There are numerous reasons why it's wise to exercise, even through the challenging times of life. Choose a few activities you enjoy and take good care of YOU!" You are worth it, and your children need you to be healthy and strong for them, too!

Sleeping is not easy:

I think sleeping is one of the hardest things to do when going through a divorce. My own ability to sleep decreased drastically.  Remember to set aside time early in the evening to wind down from the day's work, events, stressful situations, etc. Try to keep your evenings well-structured and consistent for both you and your children. They may be having a difficult time sleeping, so it's critical for you to create a peaceful environment. Try to go to sleep right after your children do.  Reading a good, positive book before attempting to fall asleep will help you wind down and rest. If you are like me, you may wake up in the middle of the night, not being able to go back to sleep. If this happens, try drinking a cup of warm milk and reading again. If there is any chance for you to take a ten-minute power nap during your work-filled days, do it. Power naps work wonders in helping you make it through your day!

To sum it all up, going through your divorce will most likely set your metabolism on fire for a prolonged period of time. The amount of stress and emotional trauma your body is responding to is great. Acknowledging this, and doing your part to take extra good care of yourself is critical to your health. If you have children they will be counting on you to be healthy and strong, as well. Give yourself permission to be mindful of your body's response to the increased levels of stress you are living with, and be good to "you!" Take the time each day to exercise, to take deep breaths, eat a nutrient-filled diet, and create a peaceful surrounding in which to sleep each night. Remember to catch a power nap every chance you can, too. You will get through this, and you can endure it well!  Your children will thank you someday for being their anchor through it all, even while your metabolism was in overdrive!