Going through a breakup is like getting punched in the gut. It hurts! Even the best relationships end sometimes, and it’s completely normal to feel down. In fact, science suggests that breakups can trigger the grief process. While no one passed away, they still leave your life abruptly, causing you legitimate grief.
If you’re struggling with a recent breakup, fear not! You will get through it, and these 15 tips will help you get there:
1. Make Plans
It’s a tough feeling being alone, especially if you spent most of your time with your ex. To take your mind off of the breakup, try making plans with other people. They don’t need to be elaborate! Call up a friend or family member to go shopping, make dinner, or hang out and watch a movie. Making plans helps you stay connected with your social circle and have someone there when times are extra tough.
2. Talk to Somebody
If going out and socializing doesn’t seem appealing at this point, that’s okay! Instead, find someone you can vent to about how you’re feeling. Keeping everything bottled up is never a good idea, so reach out to a trusted friend or family member that can help talk you through the rollercoaster of emotions you’re feeling.
3. Get a New Hobby
What better time to pursue a new interest, right? All of your newfound free time is the perfect chance to pick up a hobby you’ve been contemplating for a while. Whether it’s trying that new yoga class, joining a local rec league, or reading a new book, it’s a great way to keep yourself busy and potentially meet someone new.
4. Get Active
It’s important to get those endorphins pumping after a breakup! Go for a run, join a gym, or try your local kickball or soccer league. Exercise isn’t just beneficial for your physical health, but your mental well-being, too.
5. Focus On Eating Healthy
Indulging in some much-needed comfort food after a breakup is a must, but for the most part, try choosing healthy foods. Keeping your physical state in good shape helps a lot when your emotional state is in need of some work.
6. Volunteer
Helping others is a great way to boost your mood! Look into local organizations with missions that you care about. Doing this will help you create some good change out of a bad situation.
7. Focus On Your Career
Instead of focusing your energy on the breakup, put it into your work! Are there any ways you can improve your performance? Do you have any fresh, new ideas to bring to your boss? Or is it time to search for a new career? Pursuing things to improve your career will not only get you further along your path, but it also serves as a great distraction from your ex.
8. Listen to a Breakup Playlist
We totally understand — no one can be positive ALL the time. If you just need some time to be sad, it’s okay! Listening to a breakup playlist or any kind of sad music can actually be really cathartic. Acknowledging your emotions is an important part of a breakup, and sometimes you just need a good ugly cry to your favorite sad song.
9. Remove Triggers and Reminders
There’s no question that the age of social media and constant communication has made breakups even harder. While it might feel a bit petty, it can be really helpful to unfollow (or at least mute) your ex on social media, delete their phone number and remove pictures of the two of you from your accounts. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
10. Take a Trip
If you feel like you can’t escape your ex or the feelings from your breakup, why not get away? It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate — a weekend camping trip with your friends, for example. A change of scenery is a great way to forget about the breakup, at least for a little while.
11. Self-Reflection
While you obviously don’t want to dwell too much on your ex, it is still important to reflect on what went wrong. Were you simply not compatible? Did you have different expectations for your future together? Was there any infidelity? Evaluating your breakup can help you discover what you truly want out of a future relationship.
12. Try a Dating App
Once you’re feeling up to it, dating apps are a fun way to put yourself back on the market! Breakups can negatively impact our self-esteem, but dating is a fun way to get out on the scene and feel desirable to someone new. You’ll bounce back in no time!
13. Redefine Yourself
It’s easy to feel defined by your partner or relationship, making it difficult to rediscover who you are after a breakup. If that’s the case, why not redefine yourself? Get a hair cut, dye it, get a tattoo, buy a new wardrobe — whatever you want! Sometimes, a physical change can trigger positive emotional change, so why not give it a shot?
14. Give Yourself Time
As much as we wish there could be an easy way to fix heartbreak, that’s just not the case. Recovering from a breakup takes time, and it’s important to respect that fact (and yourself) when it comes to the expectations you put on yourself. Listen to your gut, heart, and feelings to determine what you need. If it takes a long time to get over it, that’s okay. You’ll get there!
15. Consult the Experts
If talking to friends and family isn’t working like you’d hoped, turning to a professional therapist might be the best option. After all, it’s a therapist’s job to help you work through tough times, and a safe, trusted space to let it all out may be just what you need to move on.
Remember, you’re not alone when it comes to breakups! Everyone goes through them, and everyone deals with them differently. Once you find what works best for you, you’ll be moved on before you know it. Breakups are tough, but stay positive — you will get through it!
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