Breaking up is always hard to do. It can take a toll on your day-to-day activities and preoccupy your mind with thoughts of “what if?” and “now what?” But it doesn’t always have to be this way. Sure, you should allow yourself some time to grieve the loss and appreciate the lessons it taught you about love. But it shouldn’t consume you to the point where you stop living your life and moving forward. Feelings will always linger, but you can help get your life back on track by taking an active role in your progression. Make the decision to feel better and it will eventually be that way. Sometimes, it takes going through the motions to get genuine results down the line. Read ahead for some essential steps in moving on from a failed relationship.
Getting over a Breakup: 8 Steps to Help You Move On
1. Don’t follow them on social media: It may be incredibly tempting to keep track of your ex via your preferred social networks. But that will only slow your progress to a halt. This is the time to step back, wipe them off your mind, and focus on yourself. Looking at pictures that may include a new sweetheart will only hurt your feelings more and keep you obsessing in a very unhealthy way. Delete, delete, delete!
2. Find a new hobby: Occupy your time with something other than pining over them and wondering what they’re up to. Get yourself busy with things that will enrich your life. If you’ve always had an interest in photography but never had enough time to do it, now’s the time to take that class. Use this time to make caring for yourself your top priority.
3. Get out there: Don’t lock yourself up and refuse to come out for fear of running into your ex or for fear of having to face other happy couples. Be brave, get some air, and realize that life is still going on around you – and your really shouldn’t be missing it.
4. Exercise: This basic principal will get your endorphins running, making you feel truly better and maybe even a little happier. Keeping a healthy body and mind will make this process that much easier. It’s also a great way to relieve stress. Go for a run, take up yoga – overall, just be good to yourself.
5. Stop communicating: Late at night, when things get a little lonely, it may be hard to resist the temptation of sending an email fueled by wine and nostalgia. Don’t. Don’t communicate with the person you’re trying to move on from. It can stir up more confusing feelings or frustrating circumstances that will only delay your progress.
6. Spend time with friends: Don’t feel that you have to be alone in your misery. Just because your friends are in relationships doesn’t mean they can’t be there for you as you try to move on from yours. Call them up, split a bottle of wine and feel free to vent. That’s what friends are for.
7. Don’t rush to date again: Only date someone else if you really want to, but don’t feel that you have to jump into something else. If you do date a new person, realize that it may just be a rebound and try to take it lightly and slowly. Don’t pressure yourself while you may still have feelings to sort out.
8. Write it out: While sending emails of your lingering feelings is a really terrible idea, writing them out in a private journal can really help you release the pain you’re carrying. Don’t judge what you write; just allow yourself to let it out and move on. Every time you’re tempted to call, text, tweet, or email that ex, put it in the journal instead.
How do you get over a breakup? Ice cream? Shopping? Talking with friends? Share it in the comments!
