Breakups are tough no matter what the circumstances. If you were dumped, it hurts. You have to process those feelings of rejection. When you’re the one who initiated the breakup, it’s not easy either. It’s not a simple task to let someone go. When you’ve been in a relationship for a long time, you grow attached to that person. It’s especially challenging when you live together. It’s painful to separate from a partner, but it’s possible when you have some coping skills. Here’s how to survive a breakup.
Feel Your Emotions
No matter what you’re feeling, it’s okay to feel that emotion. When you lose someone you love, or you’re dumped, it hurts, or it might make you angry. There’s no wrong way to feel after a breakup. It’s a confusing situation, and your mind is probably in turmoil. One way to identify your emotions is by writing them down. Sometimes the feelings are so powerful that it hurts to experience them. When you write your emotions down, you can articulate them on your own time. If you feel up to it, read what you wrote down. You can gain emotional insight into yourself. You can also read back your feelings to a friend or loved one. Another thing you can do is bring your journal to a therapy session. Your therapist cares about how you’re feeling and wants to help you understand your emotions. No matter what you’re experiencing emotionally, there’s nothing to be ashamed of because your feelings are valid.
Stay Active
After you break up with someone, staying active can help you feel better. It’s not going to take away the pain, but it will distract you for a bit. Also, exercise increases your endorphins and will give your brain some feel-good hormones. It’s okay to take a break from the pain, get outside and be active. If it’s cold, you can always exercise indoors. Try some yoga, or use the elliptical machine. As long as you keep your body moving, that’s what matters. When you’re active, you’re also engaging in self-care. It’s not easy to take care of yourself after a breakup, but it matters. It will help boost your self-esteem and make it easier to get through this challenging time.
Self-Care Matters
It’s crucial to take care of yourself. There are subtle ways to engage in self-care. Maybe watch your favorite show on Netflix, or read a book. You can call a friend, or take a walk in the park. These are all ways to engage in self-care. You are going to be with yourself for the rest of your life, which is why it’s critical to nourish your mind and body. During a breakup, it’s even more important to care for yourself. You’re emotionally exhausted, and you want to make sure you’re drinking water, eating, and sleeping. These are three fundamental elements of self-care that we always need to pay attention to, but especially during a breakup.
Don’t Reach out to Your Ex
Whatever you do, don’t reach out to your ex for support. Yes, it’s natural to want to connect with them for support. But, remember they’re not going to be your source to lean on right now. Your ex is someone you are working on letting go of. That’s why it’s crucial to have a support system. You need to lean on your friends and family when you’re hurting. When you feel like reaching out to your ex, talk to your friends and loved ones.
Talk to Your Friends
Your friends know how hard this breakup is for you. Whether it’s a relationship ending or a divorce, it’s painful. These are the people you want to rely on when you’re sad or tempted to reach out to your ex. Don’t be shy to connect with the people who care about you. It’s natural to crave intimacy and support. You can cry as much as you need to and be honest about your feelings with those who love you. Another thing you can do is reach out to a licensed mental health professional for support.
Talk About Breakups in Online Therapy
Online therapy is an excellent place to connect with a mental health professional who cares. Online counselors are skilled mental health providers who can help you learn coping skills when life challenges come up. If you’re struggling with relationships, you can read more about them here: https://www.mind-diagnostics.org/blog/relationship-health. Breakups happen, but you can get through them with support.
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with Mind-Diagnostics.org. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
