The famous pop song goes, “Breaking Up is Hard To Do,” but we’d argue that the aftermath of a breakup is like a death of a thousand paper cuts and much worse than the actual breakup itself. Every time “your favorite” song comes on the radio, or you see another couple canoodling, your heart wrenches all over again and you get misty eyed and sad. There are a zillion things that remind you of your ex, so how do you get over a super bad breakup and get back into the land of the living.
We present these simple, and sometimes a bit silly-sounding ideas to clear mind and soul, and a few to help the heart to heal. Although we don’t presume to know which one will work for you, we feel confident that at least a few of these will bring a smile to your face.
Science tells us the reason we call it a “heartbreak” is actually because the body can feel physical pain. You may feel like you have the flu, awfully tired, sad, listless, hungry or completely NOT hungry.
And while a pint of ice cream sounds like a good idea, it’s only a short-term lift to you mood. Instead focus on these SCIENCE backed ways to get over it!
Listen to sad songs Truth! Even this study says that our brains are attracted to sad songs, and sad songs can provide feelings of comfort in the listener, so hit play on that breakup playlist and tune out. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sad-music-breakup_n_6113920
Reflect on the relationship, perhaps even making a list of the bad times, not just the good. Having a more balanced picture of what really went down between the two of you can help you realize breaking up was actually a good choice in the long run, even if you are the one who didn’t actually break up!
mourn. Stay in bed for a whole weekend, or maybe go to the spa and spend the whole day there in quiet reflection. Take a solo trip to a quiet spot or a hike. Go anywhere outside. Don’t feel bad for taking time to be sad and down. But then….
Call your bestie for a BFF hug and some old-fashioned friend time.
Rebound. Don’t aim to be in your next relationship, but a fun date can ease you out of the blues.
Do something for you to improve yourself. Sign up for a new form of exercise or take a cooking class.
Unfollow your ex across all social media and if it helps to not see them, file away any public pictures or remove them. Just don’t stalk them and don’t reach out to see how they are doing. Do not converse with them. Cutting off all communication cold turkey will help.
Clean your room. Out with the old, in with the new. Throw out or donate unnecessary clutter and deep clean then consider smudging yourself and your living space with white sage.
Spend time with your pets. Petting little furry creatures always gives you the warm and fuzzies.
Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, your local soup kitchen or just about any charity you’d like to support. Helping out others is also a quick way to feel great about yourself and your community.
