When you’re going through a divorce, it might feel like every single part of your life has been toppled over. It might be difficult for you to see or even hear about other happily married couples, others getting married, or simply seeing other people happier than you are. But it’s important to remember that we all lead different paths in life, and comparing your situation to that of another’s will do you no good when it comes to your happiness and wellbeing. It’s just as important to make sure the emotional turmoil that many times accompanies divorce doesn’t get in the way of your daily responsibilities – particularly work.

Now that you’re facing financial independence again, maintaining your emotions at work is important. You’re likely at your place of employment for more hours in a day than you are at home, and you may be surrounded by a plethora of stressors that can easily trigger an emotional breakdown. It’s important to learn to cope with these stressors when you’re in such a vulnerable state. Here are 7 ways to keep your emotions in check while going through a divorce.

Let Your Employer Know

This might be a challenge for you if you’re very emotional about your separation. But it’s important. For one, your boss will need to know that you may need time off for court dates or divorce mediation sessions. It may also be helpful, depending on your employer, to simply let them know that you’re going through a bit of a rough patch in your life. There may be an employee assistance program your employer can help you out with. And finally, it’s important that your employer knows about your divorce if your spouse decides to harass you at work.

Be Discreet

It’s probably a good idea to keep the matters surrounding your divorce discreet at work. If your coworkers know about your divorce, they’re likely to ask questions. Simply be brief with your responses, and try not to let them upset you. Simple questions can trigger negative emotions while you’re trying to compartmentalize them.

Rely On Your Support System

You may consider your friends, parents, siblings, and counselor(s) your support system – a group of people you can rely on to confide in and not be judged for doing so. Your coworkers, on the other hand, should not serve as your support system (unless one is a best friend you trust not to gossip). Gossip can become a problem at work. So when it comes to steaming out your emotions, it’s best you stick with your support group.

Have A Backup Plan For Bad Days

This is where the practice of “compartmentalizing” can really help. It’s important to keep your home problems out of work, but it’s entirely natural for you to have moments of weakness. Have a pad and a pen nearby, but not for everyone to see. If stressful thoughts race through your head regarding your divorce, write them down and promise yourself that you won’t dwell on them – that you’ll deal with them later, when you leave work.

Avoid Any Communication With Your Ex During Work

Your ex might send you text messages, emails, or call you on the phone while you’re at work. Whatever they have to say, it may trigger some emotional reaction in you. It’s best to simply ignore these calls and make it known to your soon-to-be ex-spouse that you simply cannot speak while you’re at work unless it’s an emergency.

Don’t Use Work As An Escape

You may feel the urge to use work as an escape from your divorce, but it simply isn’t. You need to focus on work as your job, not your place to escape from reality. Try not to use work as your escape hatch.

Keep Positive At Work

It may be unfathomably difficult to stay positive when the thought of divorce is looming over you all the time. If you have office space, litter it with positive sayings, pictures of friends and your children – anything to keep you from falling into negative thought patterns.

Keeping your composure at work during a divorce may not be easy, but it can be simple. Follow these 7 steps and you may find it much easier to maintain calm at work during your divorce.