While bankruptcy can provide much-needed debt relief, navigating the proceedings is emotionally stressful. If you’re in over your head financially, it’s perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed until your debts have been discharged. Thankfully, you can reduce much of this stress just by following a few simple tips. 

3 Ways to Relieve Stress When Facing Bankruptcy

1. Stay Busy 

When you're not at work, find ways to stay busy, and prioritize those activities that you find the most fulfilling. Pursuing hobbies and spending time with loved ones will keep you from dwelling on your finances. While you’ll have to evaluate your situation at some point to devise a manageable budget moving forward, dwelling on your debts day after day will only serve to add to your stress. 

2. Look to the Future 

It’s natural to worry about the hit your credit will take upon declaring bankruptcy. There are ways to start rebuilding credit right away, though, so you can finance major purchases within a year or two of filing.

Instead of fretting about your financial situation today, consider where you’ll be tomorrow. If you don’t declare bankruptcy, you might still be missing payments five years from now. If, on the other hand, you do file, you can discharge those debts that are holding you back and be in a considerably better position five years from now than you ever thought possible. 

3. Ask for Help 

It's important to remember that you're not alone. You might have friends or loved ones who've filed, for example, and can remind you that the steps you’re taking are nothing to be ashamed of. If you’re feeling especially overwhelmed, a counselor or therapist can help you gain some perspective. A seasoned attorney can help you navigate the actual proceedings so you can move on with your life as quickly as possible. 

To see if you're a good candidate for bankruptcy, turn to Lein Law Offices. Since 1983, this Wisconsin firm has been helping clients take back control of their lives. With one office in Hayward and a second in Winter, they assist clients with debt relief, Social Security disability claims, workers’ compensation benefits, personal injury suits, estate planning, and real estate transactions. To request a free consultation, reach out on their website or call (715) 403-5045.