How to Deal With Heartbreak

How to Deal With Heartbreak:
7 Strategies to Survive a Break-up and Finally Move On

If you’re currently struggling to get over a break-up: you’re not alone. It’s something that we all experience at some point in our lifetime and is part of the human experience – but that doesn’t make it any easier.
Unfortunately, there is no handbook to getting over heartbreak, and it is often a messy, confusing and lengthy process. However, there are many things you can do to speed up your healing process and get back to feeling like yourself again.

1.Cut Contact – Especially During the First Few Weeks or Months
Straight after a break-up, you are at your most vulnerable. If you keep talking to your ex or try to have a friendship straight away, it can be incredibly difficult to move on and can give you false hope of getting back together. Delete their contact and unfollow them on social media if you need to, so you’re not constantly reminded of them. This doesn’t need to be forever, but it will give you some necessary space to heal properly.

2. Avoid Unhealthy Coping Methods
When you’re hurting after a break-up it can be tempting to numb your feelings with things such as alcohol, drugs, food or even working too much. Remember that you won’t always feel this way and that relying on unhealthy outlets will only make matters worse. There are so many healthier ways such as exercising or taking up new hobbies to deal with the pain and the loss you are currently experiencing which will help you move on better and faster.

3. Feel All the Feelings
Have compassion for yourself and know that whatever feelings may be coming up during this time are completely normal and part of the process. It is important that you don’t deny your emotions and that you process them properly. Find something that works for you; this could be writing about what happened in a notebook or reaching out to family and friends to air out your feelings with someone that you trust.

4. Remember the Bad Parts
When going through heartbreak it’s common to remember only the good parts of the relationship or idealise that person now that you are no longer with them. It can be helpful to write a list of all the things that weren’t working in the relationship. That way, whenever you feel yourself wishing you were back together, you can revisit the list to remind you of why you should stay apart.

5. Stay Busy and Get Into a Routine
It’s totally okay to have a few days or even a few weeks of not doing anything except feeling sad or sorry for yourself. But after a while, starting a new routine can help keep your mind busy and give you a renewed sense of purpose. Make sure to include things in your day that make you feel good such as exercising, going out with your friends or making time for your passions. It’s much easier to get over a break-up when you’re having fun and enjoying your life!

6. Perform a Closure Ritual
Having some kind of relationship funeral or ending ceremony can be the perfect way to emotionally heal after a break-up. There are many ways you can do this. You can write down the painful memories you want to let go of and then burn the papers in a fire. You could put their belongings in a box and then bury them. Or you can simply light a candle, remember the good and the bad of the relationship, and think of what you’re excited about now that it’s over.

7. Start Dating Again
If enough time has passed and you feel ready to, why not start dating again? You can date casually in the beginning so it’s not as intimidating. Don’t put any pressure on yourself to jump into a relationship straight away, simply go into it with an open mind and the resolution to have fun and try something new. This can be a great confidence booster and a wonderful reminder that there are many other amazing people out there for you.

Finally – Give It Time
No two break-ups are the same, and some relationships take longer to get over than others. Give yourself the necessary time to heal and recover from what you’ve lost, but also remember that your heartbreak won’t last forever. Focus on the positive and look forward to all of the new and exciting things you will get to experience in this new chapter of your life.