Let’s face it! Breakups are hard regardless of who initiated the split. Adjusting to life after a breakup can be tough or even feel impossible. Breakups create many uncomfortable feelings such as rejection, insecurities, loneliness and even guilt. But why is dealing with a breakup so hard? Think of it this way, being in a committed relationship you learn to share your life with someone else, you create memories with them and you develop a bond where they become a consistent part of your life. Breaking up means, this person is no longer part of your life and it is considered a loss. It is not only a loss of your partner, but also the dreams, hope and plans you shared with your partner. But keep in mind, you can help yourself move on. Below are some tips on how to help yourself heal after a breakup;

Don’t Avoid your Feelings:

Allow yourself to feel the feelings. Refrain from using any substances to avoid or numb your feelings. It is important to understand that it is normal to experience the 5 stages of grief (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance) when experiencing a loss. In other words, there will be times where you’ll find yourself feeling sad, angry or in denial. Just know that it is normal to experience these emotions and that everybody spends different amount of time in each phase. Be patient with yourself and turn to your friends and family for support.

Prioritize your Goals:

It is easy to get lost in overanalyzing the past and resenting your ex-partner after a breakup. Holding on to anger and being resentful will only hold you back from moving on. Remember to stay focused on your goals and prioritize yourself. Stay focused on your main goal which is to move on. Try your best to not get stuck in negative thinking patterns, try new things, don’t isolate yourself and tap into your hobbies. Be creative!

Self-care:

Do something for yourself EVERY DAY. Train yourself to get into the habit of doing something to take care of yourself every day. Practice mindfulness and learn to accept things as they are. Remember to listen to what you need and be patient; healing from a breakup is a process and you will feel better over time.

Get Support:

It is easier to isolate when going through a breakup. However, it is crucial to reach out to friends and family who are supportive. Staying connected with counsellor will help reduce feelings of loneliness and help you heal. Consider seeing a professional for extra help if need be. After a breakup, the individual is usually left with a lot of negative thoughts and insecurities. Seeing a professional can offer ways for you to reframe some of these negative thoughts and feelings.

            Finally, be patient, give yourself time to heal and don’t hesitate to ask for help!