Breakups are never easy, but they are a part of life. Whether you were together for a few months or several years, ending a relationship can be a difficult and emotional experience. If you’re struggling to move on from a breakup, know that you’re not alone. Here are 21 ways to help you get through it and come out on the other side feeling stronger and more resilient.
- Acknowledge your feelings. It’s important to allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions you’re experiencing. Whether you’re feeling sad, angry, or relieved, it’s all a normal part of the grieving process.
- Take time for yourself. After a breakup, it’s important to give yourself space and time to heal. This might mean taking a few days off work, spending time with friends and family, or engaging in self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
- Lean on your support system. Surround yourself with loved ones who will listen to you and offer emotional support. It can also be helpful to speak with a therapist or counsellor, who can provide a safe space to process your feelings and offer guidance on how to move forward.
- Stay active. Exercise has been shown to have numerous mental and physical health benefits, including reducing stress and improving mood. Whether it’s going for a run, taking a yoga class, or lifting weights, find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.
- Eat a healthy diet. It’s common to turn to comfort food after a breakup, but try to prioritise nourishing your body with healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Get enough sleep. Proper sleep is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule to help you feel more rested and energised.
- Reflect on the relationship. Take some time to think about what went wrong in the relationship and what you can learn from the experience. This can help you grow as an individual and avoid making similar mistakes in future relationships.
- Practice self-care. Take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This can include things like getting a massage, taking a hot bath, or indulging in your favourite hobbies.
- Seek closure. If possible, try to have a conversation with your ex about why the relationship ended. This can help bring closure and allow you to move on.
- Don’t blame yourself. It’s natural to feel like you could have done things differently, but try to avoid beating yourself up. Remember that breakups are often a result of a combination of factors and it’s important to take responsibility for your actions, but not to blame yourself for the entire relationship ending.
- Cut off contact (at least for a while). It can be tempting to stay in touch with your ex, but it’s usually best to have some space in the beginning. This can help you both process your feelings and move on.
- Remove reminders of your ex. It might be tough, but try to get rid of gifts, pictures, and other reminders of your relationship. This can help you move on and create a fresh start.
- Focus on your own growth. Use this time to focus on your own personal and professional development. Take on new hobbies, set goals for yourself, and work on becoming the best version of you.
- Don’t jump into a new relationship right away. It’s understandable to want to fill the void left by the breakup, but try to avoid jumping into a new relationship too quickly. Take the time to heal and make sure you’re truly ready to move on before starting something new.
- Learn from the experience. Reflect on what you learned from the relationship and how you can apply those lessons to future relationships.
- Take a break from social media. Seeing pictures and updates from your ex on social media can be tough, so it might be helpful to take a break from social media or unfollow your ex for a while. This can give you some space and help you avoid constantly being reminded of the relationship.
- Seek out new experiences. Breakups can be a great opportunity to try new things and branch out of your comfort zone. Take a solo trip, try a new hobby, or volunteer for a cause you care about. These experiences can help you grow and move on from the breakup.
- Write about your feelings. Journaling can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions and make sense of your thoughts. It can also help you gain clarity and perspective on the relationship.
- Practice gratitude. It can be easy to focus on the negative after a breakup, but try to make an effort to shift your focus to the things you’re grateful for. This can help you maintain a positive outlook and move on from the relationship.
- Be patient with yourself. It takes time to heal from a breakup, and it’s important to be patient with yourself and allow yourself to go through the grieving process. It’s okay to have good days and bad days, and it’s important to give yourself the time and space you need to heal.
- Seek professional help if needed. If you’re finding it difficult to move on and are experiencing prolonged feelings of sadness or difficulty functioning, it might be helpful to speak with a mental health professional. They can offer additional support and guidance on how to cope with the breakup.
Overall, the most important thing is to allow yourself to feel your emotions and take the time to heal. It’s okay to take things one day at a time, and it’s important to surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and loved ones. With patience and self-care, you will eventually be able to move on from the breakup and find happiness again.