Feature Image by Amy Velazquez
Going through a breakup is never easy, and you might find yourself feeling lost and hurt or unable to get through your normal routine. So how do you cope with a breakup? While getting together with your friends and digging into a pint of Ben & Jerry’s can help, you’ll want to make sure you have alternate methods of getting through once the sugar rush wears off.
Here are five ways to ease the pain and move on from the relationship.
Take some time for yourself
Don’t feel guilty about taking a little time off for yourself. “You are going through something that is difficult and some extra ‘me’ time is critical,” says relationship therapist Jeanette Tolson. “Allow yourself to veg on the couch for a few hours on a Sunday morning instead of doing chores around your home.”
Remind yourself that feelings are temporary
“If it feels like you are on a roller coaster of emotions, you are,” says Tolson. “It feels really painful right now, and you aren’t quite sure when it will feel better.” It’s easy to feel like you’re going to feel this way forever, but remind yourself that you will overcome this.
Don’t fight the feelings
“All feelings change and pass, especially when we allow ourselves to experience it instead of always avoiding, numbing, and distracting,” says Tolson. When a relationship ends, you move through a grieving process. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to stop it or avoid it. “Know that the process is there to help you learn a new normal and move through the emotions of letting go,” says Tolson.
Create a new routine
Everyday activities that used to include your partner may now remind you of the loss. “Change up your daily routine such as taking a new route to work, shopping at a different grocery store, or changing up your bedtime ritual,” says Tolson. “This will help ease the pain that everything around you reminds you of your ex.”
Keep up your healthy habits
This was one relationship that didn’t work out, but that won’t be your story forever. “Taking care of yourself and working through the grief of this loss will set you up for when you are ready for your next relationship,” says Tolson. “Ensuring that you continue to be as physically healthy as possible helps ensure that you will have the capacity to work through the emotional process.”
xx, The FabFitFun Team
