How To Handle A Difficult Breakup

The end of a relationship is rarely a pretty thing. Things can get particularly tough if you’ve been with the person for a long time, have children together, or had no control over the breakup itself. It’s rough – but that doesn’t mean you need to crawl into a tub of ice cream and cry your life away. Life goes on, and so will you. Use these breakup coping tips to get you back on your feet and back in the game.

 

1. Block them out (for now). Getting over someone is tough enough without constant reminders of their existence. If cyber-stalking is driving you to the edge of insanity, block them on social media for the sake of your mental health. Sure, maybe you’ll be the best of friends someday, but now probably won’t be that time. Keep your distance and give yourself space to grieve. If you’re receiving constant reminders of your former love in the form of an ill-advised couples tattoo, don’t stress – there are solutions. How much does laser tattoo removal cost? Not as much as you’d think, and the process may be cathartic.

2. Surround yourself. It’s tempting to isolate yourself when you’re going through a rough time, but spending too much time alone in your bedroom won’t make you feel much better. Invite friends over, get out and do something with people you care about, and surround yourself with loved ones as much as possible. Even if you’re not great company, resist the urge to lock yourself up in your house – reach out for help, instead.

3. Don’t numb it. Feelings are there for a reason. The difficult emotions that come with a break-up definitely aren’t fun, but suppressing them wont’ help. Allow yourself to cry when you feel like crying. If that means excusing yourself from your desk for a few minutes to sniffle in the bathroom, so be it. Get the feelings out and you’ll find that they fade over time.

4. Practice self-care. Now is not the time to self-destruct. In order to feel better, you’ll need to look after yourself. Do this by eating nutritious food, staying as active as possible, meditating and breathing deeply, and pampering yourself if you feel like you need a break from the real world. Remember that you don’t need someone else to love you, as long as you love yourself.

5. Build up some endorphins. A proper cardio workout can do amazing things for your mind. It’ll also help release some of that pent-up anger that’s simmering inside of you. Get outside and run, or head to the gym and kick a punching bag for an hour. You’ll work up a sweat while releasing endorphins, which should naturally boost your mood.

6. Interrupt obsessive thinking. Many people fall into a cycle of obsessive thoughts after a break-up. They find themselves mulling over the ups and downs of the relationships, stressing over what went wrong, and constantly thinking about what their ex might be up to without them. If you find yourself falling into the trap of obsessive thinking, take the time to notice your thoughts and stop them in their tracks. Redirect your mind in a new direction, and continue to practice doing this while you heal.