If you’re going through a breakup, you’re probably feeling many intense emotions right now.
As you go through the process of mending your broken heart, at various times, you’ll inevitably feel stressed and anxious, relaxed and relieved, happy and sad, and everything in between.
All of these emotions are normal and understandable. You’ve just been through a major life change, and it will take some time to adjust.
Here are five tips for coping with a breakup to help you through this transitional chapter in your life.
Take Care of Yourself
When you’re going through a tough time, it’s easy to let your healthy habits slip away from you. But taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is more important than ever right now.
Make sure you eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and engage in physical activity each day. Take care of your hygiene and appearance, not for anyone but yourself.
Also, be sure to do things that make you happy and help you relax, whether reading, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, or anything else that brings you joy.
Talk About What You’re Feeling
If you’re feeling lost and alone after your breakup, talking to someone who will understand and support you can make a world of difference.
Talk to a trusted friend or family member, see a therapist, or join a support group for people going through a similar situation.
Expressing what you’re feeling aloud can help you feel heard and understood, and it can also give you some much-needed clarity about your situation.
Set Boundaries
When you separate from someone who was so close to your heart, it’s normal to feel a desire to keep them in your life in some capacity.
But if you want to move on and heal from your breakup, it’s essential to set some boundaries.
These boundaries are not for them. They are for you. Decide how much – or how little – contact you want to have with your ex, and then stick to it. Know what you’re unwilling to tolerate, and don’t allow yourself to be drawn back into a situation that isn’t good for you.
Focus on Your Better Future
What are you free to do now that you couldn’t before? What new opportunities are open to you in this next phase of your life?
This is your chance to focus on your happiness and create the life you want for yourself.
Don’t dwell on what you’ve lost. Focus on what you have yet to gain. Your best days are still ahead of you.
And Find Peace in the Present
Ruminating and worrying about the past won’t do much good for your mental health.
As simple as it sounds, bring your awareness to your breath and the physical sensations in your body. When your mind wanders away into thoughts about the past or future, gently bring your attention back to your breathing—inhaling fully, exhaling slowly.
Notice the sights and sounds around you. Pay attention to the taste of your food and the feel of your clothes against your skin.
Anchoring yourself in the present moment can help you to find some peace amidst the storm of intense emotions you’re currently experiencing. You’ll still feel those emotions, but they won’t feel quite as overwhelming when you are centered in the here and now.
