Breakups are universally painful, whether you’re the one who ended the relationship or the one who was left behind. The pain is inevitable, and while there’s no magic solution to make it disappear overnight, there are ways to cope and eventually heal. The key is to use positive distractions to fill the void left by your ex. Here are five steps to help you get over a breakup, with the fifth one being quite unconventional but surprisingly effective.
1: Travel or Do a Staycation
One of the most effective ways to start healing after a breakup is to change your environment. Your home and city are filled with memories of your ex, making it harder to move on. If possible, plan a vacation or visit someone out of town. The new surroundings will help you create new memories and shift your focus away from the past.
If a vacation isn’t feasible, consider a staycation. Spend a weekend at a friend’s house or book a hotel in your city. The goal is to break your usual routine and give yourself a fresh perspective. Even small changes, like rearranging your living space or exploring new parts of your city, can be beneficial. Changing your environment helps to disrupt the mental patterns associated with your ex, making it easier to start healing.
2: Exercise and Stay Active
Exercise is a common recommendation for anyone going through a breakup, and for good reason. Physical activity releases endorphins, which improve your mood and help combat stress. When you’re in a relationship, it’s easy to become complacent and neglect your fitness. Now is the perfect time to get back on track.
You don’t have to limit yourself to the gym. Any form of physical activity will do, whether it’s running, hiking, dancing, or even a home workout routine. Exercise not only improves your physical health but also provides a sense of accomplishment and boosts your confidence. Additionally, it can be a social activity, giving you the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
3: Immerse Yourself in Music and Comedy
Music has a powerful impact on our emotions. After a breakup, it’s important to choose uplifting and empowering songs to listen to. Avoid sad, melancholic music that can amplify your feelings of sadness. Instead, create a playlist of your favorite upbeat tracks that make you feel happy and energized.
Along with music, watching funny films or comedy shows can be incredibly therapeutic. Laughter is a natural mood booster and can help you see the lighter side of life. While you might not feel like laughing at first, forcing yourself to watch something funny can gradually lift your spirits and make you feel better.
4: Develop a Faith or Spiritual Practice
Having a spiritual practice or belief system can provide a strong support system during tough times. When you’re going through a breakup, you may find that your friends and family eventually tire of hearing about your pain. This is where a spiritual practice can be invaluable. It gives you a source of strength and comfort that you can turn to at any time.
Start each day with a spiritual routine, whether it’s meditation, prayer, reading inspirational texts, or listening to uplifting podcasts. This practice can help you feel more grounded and aligned, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Leaning on a higher power or belief system can provide the reassurance and inner peace needed to navigate through the pain of a breakup.
5: Refuse to Be Upset – The Crazy Yet Effective Strategy
This last step might sound a bit out there, but it’s incredibly powerful if you can master it: simply refuse to be upset. It may seem impossible at first, but with practice, it can change your entire perspective on breakups.
Here’s how it works: Every time you start to feel sad or begin to dwell on your ex, make a conscious decision to stop those thoughts in their tracks. Tell yourself, “No, I’m not going there.” This requires a high level of self-control and mindfulness, but it can be done. The idea is to skip the grieving process and fast-forward to the part where you’re over the breakup.
This technique doesn’t mean you won’t feel any pain. Instead, it teaches you to manage your emotions and not let them control you. It’s about recognizing that the person you’re upset over might not be worth the emotional turmoil. By refusing to dwell on negative thoughts, you can save yourself a lot of unnecessary heartache.
This approach takes practice and maturity. You have to be vigilant and consistent in steering your mind away from negativity. It’s not about suppressing your emotions but about redirecting your focus. By doing this, you empower yourself to move on more quickly and avoid wasting time on someone who no longer adds value to your life.
Recap: 5 ways to Get Over a Breakup
- Travel or Do a Staycation: Change your environment to create new memories and break the association with your ex.
- Exercise and Stay Active: Boost your mood and confidence through physical activity, and enjoy the social benefits of meeting new people.
- Immerse Yourself in Music and Comedy: Use uplifting music and funny films to improve your mood and provide a mental escape.
- Develop a Faith or Spiritual Practice: Lean on a higher power or belief system for strength and comfort during tough times.
- Refuse to Be Upset: Practice mind control to stop negative thoughts and emotions, and fast-forward to the part where you’re over the breakup.
These steps are designed to help you heal and move on in a healthy and positive way. Remember, breakups are a part of life, and while they are painful, they also offer an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. If you have any questions or need further support, feel free to reach out to me at Yard of Love for private coaching. And if you’re listening to this on a podcast or YouTube, please subscribe and leave a review.
Remember, love inspires, empowers, uplifts, and enlightens.
