11 Ways to Cope After a Breakup
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Breakups. Everyone goes through them at some point in their life. A breakup can be heartbreaking and make you feel alone and hopeless. It can feel like the end of your world. It’s difficult whether you were with your significant other for two months or two years. Here are eleven ways on how to cope after a breakup:
Cry it out. Release all of the emotions you’re feeling. Bottling them up will only make things worse. Once you’re done crying, pick yourself up and carry on. Crying can be cathartic. Over time, you can “schedule” when to cry so you can go about your day. Eventually, the tear shedding will end.
Talk to a loved one. This can be a friend, parent, or anyone close to you. Venting can free the sadness and heartbreak. Talking to someone you trust can be comforting. This person can give you advice or be your shoulder to cry on. Loved ones pick you up when you’re down. Your loved one are a phone call away if you’re feeling depressed. If you’re feeling severely depressed or suicidal, research therapist in your area or contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: (800) 273-8255.
Hangout with friends. Being surrounded by good friends can make you feel loved. It can also take your mind off of the breakup. Knowing that you have friends you can count on can make you feel better. Meet up for coffee or go out to dinner. Your friends pick you up when you’re down and they can listen to you vent. You’re not alone!
Delete anything that has to do with your ex. This includes text messages, pictures, letters, and un-following them on social media Your ex is your past. Keeping remnants of them doesn’t help with healing and will make it difficult to move on. Erase them from your life. In addition, don’t keep tabs on them. Don’t check their Instagram or Facebook profiles. Completely get rid of them from your mind and life. They’re a part of your past for a reason.
Exercise. Working out releases a chemical in the brain called endorphins, which reduces pain and gives a feeling a of pleasure and happiness. Sign up for a gym membership, take a dance class, go for a walk, or research home workouts. Not only does exercising bring physical results but it will help you gain confidence and make you feel good. Try to make it a point to workout a few times a week. Whenever you’re feeling down, go get some fresh air and go for a walk or drive to the gym. It does help.
Take up a new hobby. Drawing, writing, or learning an instrument can distract you and shift your focus onto something else. This can make you feel good and brings out your creative side. A hobby will bring a healthy outlet of learning something new while also providing tranquility and escape.
Journaling. If you’re not comfortable talking to someone, journaling is the next best thing. Pouring out all of your emotions and feelings can alleviate the heartache. Writing daily can bring peace. Before you know it, you will be amazed at how far you’ve come. Your journal can be a pocket therapist for whenever you need to vent.
Find a new TV show that piques your interest. If there’s a show you’ve wanted to see but haven’t, this is a good time to do so. This provides a temporary escape into a new world. An intriguing plot and great characters can cheer you up. Take a break from our world and escape into theirs. This can distract you from your heartbreak and focus on something else.
Daily affirmations. Telling yourself positive things might sound silly to some but it does work. Continuously tell yourself that you’re beautiful, worthy, and loved - over time, you will start to believe it. You can say affirmations out loud, in front of a mirror, or simply to yourself. Write some of these affirmations on a sticky note and post them in different locations, such as your bathroom mirror, in the window of your car, on your dresser. You will soon begin to believe and start gaining confidence.
Cleaning. Studies have shown that living in a clean environment reduces depression, anxiety, and stress. Organizing your room, vacuuming the carpet, and mopping floors can make you feel better. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Living in a clean environment brings about peace and a sound mind. Cleaning gets your body moving while releasing endorphins!
Get a Makeover. This can be doing your makeup differently (or wearing makeup), dying your hair, or getting your nails done. A new look can feel good when starting this new chapter of your life. A fresh new hairdo or a manicure will boost your confidence! .
Overall, breakups can feel devastating but you will get through it! You will get stronger with each day. Eventually, your ex won’t even cross your mind. Just remember, it does get better and you will heal.
Melody Heald has a passion for writing. She’s been writing since she was a child and has had multiple works published. She has a degrees in Liberal Arts & Political Science.
