How To Get Over A Break Up

 How To Get Over A Break Up

It happens to most of us at some point or another – a valued relationship ends. Whether you’ve been seeing it coming for a while or it happens to you of the blue, it can be utterly devastating. However common this experience is, it still hits hard.

Luckily, there are tried and tested strategies through which you can move on quickly and start to heal. The tips below will enable you to see your previous relationship in a new light, and help you understand what went wrong. This sets you up for healthier relationships in the future, combined with a greater degree of self-awareness. Adhere to the following steps to help you get over a break up:

1. Give Yourself Time To Get Over A Break up

The cliche ‘time heals all wounds’ is a popular saying for a reason – it’s true. Whilst there are no hard and fast rules as to how long it takes an average person to get over a relationship, you can reasonably expect it to take at least a few months to fully get over a long-term relationship. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, provided you are seeing progress of some kind, you are moving in the right direction.

2. Take Care Of The Basics

In the aftermath of a break up, it can be easy to let eating, sleeping and work duties slide. It’s tempting to just lie in bed, wallowing in self-pity and wondering what went wrong. This, however, will not help you get over a break up. Resist this urge!

Make a promise to yourself that you will wash, dress and make yourself eat at least one proper meal every day. It’s normal to gain or lose a bit of weight following emotional turmoil, but any significant changes need to be reported to your doctor or therapist.

3. Reach Out To Other People Who Have Been There

You probably have friends or relatives who have survived relationship breakdown and perhaps even emerged stronger for it. Find these people and ask them questions about their experiences. It can feel very comforting to know that other people have also been through immense emotions similar to those you are facing.

4. Tackle Negative Thoughts Head-On

After losing someone you love, you may find yourself indulging in negative and unhelpful thoughts that will not set you up for positive relationships in the future. This is common, especially if you had invested a lot in the relationship. Thoughts include, ‘No-one will ever love me again,’ and ‘I’ll never be happy again.’ When you look at these thoughts carefully, you will realize that they are not rational. Be aware of them, honor them, but promise yourself not to be drawn into dwelling on them

5. Keep Relentlessly Busy

Is your schedule looking a little bare? If you have been engrossed in a relationship that has been demanding a lot of your attention for some months or years, you might have been neglecting your social life or hobbies. Now is the perfect time to reclaim yourself and start sorting a new life out for yourself! Start by getting back in touch with old friends or by picking up interests or hobbies that may have fallen by the wayside during your relationship.

6. Start Keeping A Journal

Research has shown that expressive writing, in which you keep track of your feelings and describe a difficult experience, works to reduce feelings of stress and depression. Start a notebook in which you record your innermost thoughts and feelings relating to the breakup. Over time, you will be able to see the progress you have made. It can be encouraging to realize that you can approach a previously unbearable situation with a new degree of emotional maturity.