Jennie Garth has kept a low profile since announcing her split from actor husband Peter Facinelli this past March — which may be why the 90210 actress had tongues wagging she showed up at a recent movie opening looking very thin. Jennie owned up to her sudden slimdown, blaming her weight loss since March on her divorce, US magazine reports.
“I’ve been certainly going through a transitional time in my life and I think anybody who has been through something like what I’m going through, and have been going through for the past couple years, can definitely relate that your body changes with your emotional state of mind sometimes,” she admits. “I think a lot of women can relate to that.”
Make that a lot of women…and men. Divorce ranks high on the list of life’s most stressful events, regardless of gender. And stress, in turn, can have an affect on physical health, leading to weight loss or weight gain, fatigue and trouble sleeping, depression and anxiety, and even the worsening of pre-existing conditions (like high blood pressure).
What helps to alleviate divorce stress? Consider the following stress-busting suggestions:
Keep a Journal. Letting out all that pent-up emotion on the pages of a journal is a great way to clear your mind before bedtime — or anytime you need to simply “get it all out.”
Spend time with a friend. Take your mind off your troubles by getting together with a platonic pal to spend the day shopping, hiking, or whatever makes you happy.
Practice deep breathing. Simply focusing on your breath is often a very effective way to empty your mind of negative thoughts. Basic yoga moves can also help.
See a counselor. Entering psychotherapy provides an extra layer of emotional support for those going through a divorce. Look for family therapists, social workers, licensed therapists in your area, or seek counseling help from your church or synagogue.
Exercise. Studies show that going for even a 20 minute brisk walk can be a mood lifter. Try to get out in nature — hikes offer even more blues- and anxiety-busting power. Consider it a gift from Mother Nature!
Finally, eat right. That’s what Jennie is trying to do, in both her own diet — and in that of her three daughters. “”There’s lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. We have so many fruits at our ranch where we’ve been living, so eating healthy, especially with three girls, body image is something that I try to set a good example for them,” Garth explains.