How to Survive Lonely Weekends after Divorce: 5 Practical Tips for Men Rebuilding
- Brendan Neil
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Divorce is hard. And for many men, the weekends are the hardest — especially when your kids aren’t with you. Suddenly you’re in a smaller, rented place. Your things feel unfamiliar. And your old social life — once orbiting around family routines, shared parent groups, and couple friends — feels distant, too.
It’s not just sadness. Many men deal with real loneliness, especially early on. That isolation isn’t just emotional: Australian Bureau of Statistics show that nearly half (49 %) of divorced or separated men live alone. And data from later-life divorces confirms that living alone after separation is more common among men than women. On top of that, research shows that men living alone are much more likely to report “often feel very lonely” compared to partnered men.
That said — loneliness after divorce doesn’t have to define your life. Here are 5 practical tips to help you through, plus a couple of common slightly destructive short-term habits to watch out for.
1. Reconnect with old mates — intentionally
When life changes, friendships often drift. Now’s the time to reach out. There's no need to unload your entire story and relive every detail that is causing you pain. Treat it as a chance to have fun - you don't have to wallow in sadness, laughter is medicine. Ask a friend for a weekend walk, a surf, or just a coffee. Doing something active makes it easier to connect — and it helps you feel part of something again, not just stuck story-telling.
2. Join a social or activity-based group
Isolation doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. There are plenty of “bloke-friendly” groups that don’t require heavy emotional labor. Some ideas:
Social sport: think beach volleyball, pickleball, or a workout group
A martial-arts dojo, new skills developed in a humbling environment
Hobby clubs: there are “smoking meat” BBQ clubs, beer-brewing groups — things that get men talking and laughing
Being around others doing something you enjoy builds new social roots fast.
3. Create a weekend routine
Structure can be a powerful antidote to emptiness. Try building a weekend ritual: whether it’s a morning run, a gym session, an afternoon of reading or working on a personal project. The goal is to replace “just filling time” with things that matter — or at least feel good. Over time, these rituals become anchors and something to look forward to, instead of dreading emptiness. TIP - get up early, don't sleep the day away!
4. Consider a men’s group or support circle
It’s not just for therapy — a men’s group can be a space for laughter, real talk, and connection. They’re often more relaxed than you imagine, with blokes sharing stories, giving encouragement, and just being present. You don’t have to jump in and spill everything; sometimes just showing up is enough.
5. Build purpose outside romance
One of the most powerful ways to heal and move forward is by cultivating something yours. That could be a long-term personal goal, a fitness challenge, creative work, or a side business. Now's the time to go big. There's nothing holding you back now, just planning, commitment and effort. Having a mission gives you a north star, and helps you steer away from settling for short-term relief.
Bonus - Do Something Epic
If you want to instantly upgrade your Monday morning small talk, go create a weekend worth talking about. One hidden perk of divorce? You’re suddenly free to design your own adventures — no permission slips required. Hike a mountain, camp under the stars, or wander into the bush until your phone finally stops pinging. Nature has a magical way of clearing your head and putting life back in perspective. Or try something completely out of left field: ring a tiny country town and ask if they need a hand with a local event. You’ll walk away with new mates and the quiet satisfaction of doing something that matters. Keep stacking these adventures and before long, people will be lining up to join you.
Some habits that feel good now — but can derail you long-term
While there are things that seem easy in the moment, they rarely help rebuild a life with meaning:
Chasing validation via short-term hookups. It might feel like relief to date casually or sleep around, but leaning too hard into this tends to reinforce a cycle of emptiness and doesn’t build what matters long-term.
Excess drinking or numbing out. Drinking more on weekends, bingeing, or using substances just to take the edge off can become a crutch. These habits might mask the pain, but they don’t heal it — and they come at a cost to your health, mindset, and potential.
Gambling, chasing the short-term dopamine. Getting lost on betting apps or pokie's (the tradies ATM) may stimulate an otherwise boring environment, however there's little long-term joy. The atmosphere is not aspirational, it's numbing and destructive.
Why it’s especially tough for men — and why there is hope
Research suggests that men often rely more on their partner for emotional support than women do. So, when that relationship ends, it can leave a bigger void. Many men also feel less comfortable reaching out for help, withdrawing, or trying to “tough it out” alone.
But rebuilding is absolutely possible. By making just small adjustments — reconnecting, building new routines, and finding purpose — you can start to shape a new life. One where your weekends aren’t just about surviving, but about living with intention, fulfillment, and connection.
Bottom line: Yes, the loneliness after divorce can feel brutal. But you’re not stuck. Take one small step this weekend — maybe call a mate, join a group, or try something new — and let that be the start of something better.
Extra Note: As a judge over the last few years for the Sunshine Coast Community Gala Awards, I get an insight into amazing groups whose founders are dedicated to helping men. Check these out;
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