Step By Step: How To Recover From The Heartache Of A Break-Up
Did you know a hug from a partner serves as instant stress relief? So, no wonder you’re finding it difficult to face the future after a breakup. Even if it was a bad relationship, there were probably some aspects of it that made life a little easier.
But it won’t do to keep focusing on the past! You need to move forward and reach the point where you’re ready to once again flirt with a new acquaintance or even try out dating websites. The tips below have helped many.
Be Honest About What You’re Feeling
In a breakup, you effectively lose someone, which requires grieving to truly get over it. So, firstly, give yourself the right to feel whatever you’re feeling.
Even though you should stop all communication with your ex to enable the healing process, allow your thoughts to process what has happened. Think about the good and the bad of the relationship. The good will remind you it wasn’t time wasted, and the bad will confirm that it’s time to move on.
Prioritize Physical and Emotional Health
Grieving is normal, but don’t let it take over your life to such an extent that it hampers your healing process. You may feel there’s no reason to take a shower and manage personal hygiene, but make a conscious decision not to fall into the trap of bad habits just because of a broken relationship. It will be difficult to break that habit down the line.
Be strict with yourself about self-care. It’s as simple as getting out into the fresh air or going to the gym. Cardio is an effective way to help deal with the stress and anger of breakups.
Also, your physical well-being will impact your emotional well-being. Look after yourself so you can feel good about yourself. If you do feel overwhelmed, journaling or talking to a friend can do wonders. For example, if you spend time with someone who has been through a breakup themselves, feeling understood will do a lot for your healing process.
Furthermore, actively prevent feelings of regret. Look for meaning that the relationship brought to your life, such as what you’ve learned about yourself.
Compliment Yourself Daily
For some, a breakup can feel like a failure, and you may lose some self-confidence. Counter the negative thoughts with daily affirmations, such as:
• Listing your strengths
• Writing down your achievements
• Reminding yourself of your good qualities as a partner
• Making notes of what you’ll do differently in a future relationship, thanks to lessons learned
Figure Out What You Need—Tell People What You Need
The details of the relationship determine what you need to heal. For example, after an abusive relationship, you may not want others in your space at first. Your personality also dictates your healing process, so some people prefer processing thoughts by writing in a journal rather than talking about them. Identify what type of support you need from your friends and family, and then tell them, so they can help you heal faster.
Focus on What Makes You Feel Good
Whatever you decide to do with your days, avoid places that will trigger memories of you and your ex. At some stage, you’ll feel comfortable visiting your favorite restaurant or park again, but initially, it may spark unnecessary hurt that slows down the healing process.
Rather discover new ways to have fun and new places to make memories with other people. Start by practicing your hobbies or spending time on projects you sacrificed for your relationship. Think art classes, golf lessons, or putting away money for a trip. You can even discover new interests by joining friends in their pursuits. The companionship will be good for your soul.
Help Someone Else
At some point, the focus should shift from yourself and the break-up to those around you. Helping someone else will serve multiple purposes. For example, volunteering at a charity or animal shelter will help you forget your sorrows for a while. Also, realizing the difficulties some people face will help you view a breakup from a different perspective. You may discover you have more to be thankful for than you realized.
Use the Wealth of Information Available Online
While friends may not be available 24/7, there are podcasts and forums you can access at any time of the day. So, when nights feel long and lonely, use the benefits of modern technology to engage with others on the topic and gather more tips about getting over a breakup.
If Necessary, Seek Professional Help
Grieving and processing are vital steps for healing but don’t get stuck in these parts of the healing process. If you’re still feeling the same after a few weeks or months—and if your support group is getting worried about you—perhaps it’s time to see a professional. A life coach or a therapist can use objectivity and expertise to help you recover from heartache and move on with your life.
Final Thoughts
It’s difficult to let go of someone, but it’s necessary. Do yourself the favor of getting to the point where dating sites, blind dates, and new acquaintances excite you again.
Our list of steps will help you deal with what is in the past, so you can one day enjoy a new relationship to its full extent.
