When you’ve had your heart broken, it’s tough to find ways to move on. You may find yourself thinking about the person day and night, wondering what you could have done differently and wishing for a reconciliation.
Everything you’ve counted on and known until now is suddenly gone after a breakup. Your life plans, your hopes, your dreams and a part of yourself feels utterly lost.
At times, you may worry that you’ll always be alone or that you’ll never be able to fall in love again.
However, there are practical ways to get over a breakup, and you can be happy again; here are the 7 things you can do to speed up the healing process:
1. Accept whatever you feel.
Realize that the “withdrawal” you are going through is akin to withdrawal from cocaine addiction. Practice kindness, empathy and compassion with yourself.
2. Get rid of the relationship reminders.
That includes pictures, cards and letters, gifts. If you don’t want to throw them out, give it to a friend to hold for you.
3. Treat yourself
Do something that reliably makes you feel better. It might be watching a favorite movie, ordering takeout or eating your way through a tub of ice cream. However, avoid self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.
4. Try to view the breakup as a chance for a new beginning.
Clean, clear and organize your personal space. As you let go of the old, you are creating space for the new things to come.
5. Keep reminding yourself that happiness isn’t dependent on your ex.
Focus on finding happiness in other areas of your life. Whether that means spending time with your friends and family or signing up for that class you’ve always wanted to take, try new adventures.
6. Keep a journal.
Write down all the things that were wrong with the relationship and the things that used to irritate you, especially when it is tempting to remember the relationship with rose-tinted glasses.
7. Focus on being in the present.
Every time you start obsessing about your ex, stop, ground yourself in the present by feeling your feet on the ground, listen to your breathing, be aware of the sights, smells and sounds around you.
