A divorce is a life-changing event. And sometimes it can feel like it’s something of a life-ending event. Not in the literal sense, for most of us. Instead, in that “my life as I knew it is over” kind of way. And that can be pretty dispiriting when you’ve felt as though you’ve spent the last decade or two building a good life for yourself.

That’s why these tips to survive your divorce are meant, well, not exactly literally (if you have any fear for your life due to a divorce, you should seek the help of professionals. There are many nonprofits, for example, who can help women escape bad situations).

At the same time, there’s no denying that a divorce can be an extremely stressful and trying time. These tips are designed to help you get through, to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Tip #1: Make Sure You Have Your Own Money

Married couples will often create a joint checking account. When you’re married that makes all the sense in the world. It makes paying for everything easier. But when you’re going through a divorce, you’re going to need your own money.

Having your own money–and access to it–means you’ll be able to make your own spending decisions without having to inform the other party. If you’re getting divorced from someone, talking about financials is not going to be a great time (in many cases, it’s the finances that lead to divorce).

Tip #2: Stake a Claim on Your Friends

Just like your money becomes entangled in a divorce, so too can your friends. Sure, there were your friends and his (or her) friends before the marriage. But often that can become confused in a significant way throughout your marriage. “My” friends become “our” friends. And that’s great for marriage.

But during your divorce, it can lead to friends choosing sides. And once friends start choosing sides, it can be very easy for one of the parties to suddenly become isolated and alone. One way to avoid this is to stake a claim to your friends as the divorce is ramping up. It’s probably not foremost on your mind at the time, but it can pay off–friendship wise–in the long run.

Tip #3: Move Out

For various financial reasons, divorcing couples may choose to continue cohabitating until the paperwork is signed. If you can at all avoid this, you should. If it’s possible, you should move out immediately. Or designate a person to move out. Don’t live together is what I’m saying.

I realize this can often be complicated. Often, the names of both spouses are on the deed or the mortgage. And you might be responsible (legally, not necessarily morally) for payments on house where you aren’t living. But when your divorce begins in earnest, the most important thing you can give yourself is a little bit of your own space. It will be worth it for your mental health in the long run.

Do What’s Best For You

A divorce is a good time in your life to focus on you. Spend time doing what’s best for you, thinking about what’s best for you. Because it’s true that your life will be significantly changing. Nothing can alter that. And nothing can alter how stressful your divorce will be. That’s why the most important tip is this: focus on you. Hopefully these tips to survive your divorce will help you do just that.