Breakups are brutal. Feeling lovesick after a breakup is often understated. Crying is not the only problem either, emotional damage, stress, and anxiety can often build up after a breakup, no matter whether it was a three week or three year relationship. These feelings can lead to intense emotional and social problems. The good news is there are ways that are scientifically proven to help you reduce your stress levels and get over your breakup.
1. Stay Active
One of the best things you can do for your body after a breakup is to stay active. Even if you didn’t exercise before, it has never been a better time to start. Working out, running your favorite trail, or even joining an evening kickboxing class are all great ways to relieve your stress. Not to mention, you will end up feeling and looking better, for when you are ready to get back on the dating scene.
2. Talk (or Write) it Out
Emotional build up after a break up is almost inevitable. Talk things out with your friends or family and release some of your tension so you can ease your pain. Let them know how you feel and they will return it with compassion and love.
After a breakup we often want to be left alone and therefore shut out the entire world. While perfectly normal for a short period of time, do not bottle your feeling inside. Start a journal or write letters to express your feelings. Talking or writing your emotions down is proven to be therapeutic.
3. Get Back into Your Single Habits
Whether it is staying up till 3am, watching reruns of Friends while eating pizza or going Salsa dancing, everybody has habits and hobbies they did before they got engaged in a serious relationship. Maybe you have wanted to try something new but your partner didn’t, well now you can. An excellent way to deal with post-break up trauma is to get back into your old self. Now that you are alone, what better time than now to get back in tune with yourself.
4. Go Outside
Nature is the world’s greatest therapist. Walking your favorite trails, visiting your local arboretum, or just getting outside can instantly help you feel better. If you want to take it up a notch then consider disconnecting from the world and going fishing, camping, or hiking. Getting in tune with nature will help you relax, unwind, and forget.
5. Distance Yourself from Social Media
No matter how hard you try to distance yourself from your ex, there will always be things on social media that remind you of your past significant other. Consider taking a break from social media altogether. Instead, go and hang out with your friends on the best social network ever, real life.
The five activities discussed above can all help you recover from a brutal and emotional breakup. Do not let yourself be bogged down by the past, try just one of the five methods discussed above and you will instantly start feeling better. Most importantly, they will help you stay motivated and optimistic about the future.