This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Columbia Chicago chapter.
College is about gaining skills and knowledge to immerse yourself down a career path. However, we all know that college experiences aren’t exclusively hitting the books. Chances are, you’re going to meet someone you really like- in class, at a party, online- the possibilities are endless. But maybe things don’t go as planned: you fall apart. It sucks, it hurts (especially with three things due by Monday) but it will pass.
Take a day off. If you can afford it, don’t go to class. Email your professor. No need to get into details, “personal day” should suffice. Use this day to get your ugly crying out of the way. Sulk in your pajamas without guilt. Get a fancy coffee and walk though the park. Whatever. This is your grieving time.
Self care. Have you eaten today? When’s the last time you showered? It’s easy to forget about yourself when you’re hurting and pressed for time. Are you drinking enough water? Getting enough sleep? Keep tabs on yourself, or have friends and family help. Nothing will make you feel worse than not giving your body what it needs. Especially if your breakup falls in range of exams or a big project. Be kind to yourself.
Unsubscribe. Turn off notifications from your ex for a while on Facebook, twitter, etc. Even if you’re the one who initiated the split, some distance will do you good. Resist the urge to “check up” on them – you might not like what you find. Plus, it’s only a few clicks away from going though memories or old messages. Keep the salt out of your wounds.
Keep going. You’re going to be sad for a while, but with internships and classwork – you can’t let it weigh you down. There’s no room to fall behind. Your 60 pages of reading won’t disappear because you’re heartbroken. It doesn’t matter if you’re adjusting to a new semester or cracking down on finals; nothing about breakups is convenient. No matter how miserable you are, get things done- you’ll thank yourself later. Someday you’ll be able to look back at how stressed and unhappy you were and be proud of how you overcame it.
Consider it a fresh start. Once you’re back on your feet – take on the world. Procrastinating that trim? Make the appointment today. Reconnect with a friend you haven’t seen for a while. Go for that internship. Start volunteering. Been looking for an excuse to get back in shape? This is it. Just don’t do anything too drastic (i.e. tattoos) right away. Your updated relationship status doesn’t have to be the only thing that’s new.
Let it inspire you. It’s okay to use your craft to get over something. Make art for you. Take that energy and use it to your advantage. Did your ex not “get” your art? Make more. Did he leave you for his career? Excel in your own. Don’t let an incompatible partner crush your dreams or make you feel inatiquite. It’s your time to shine.
Hold your head up high, invest in a good waterproof mascara, and carry on. Remember that this feeling is temporary. Whether you and your partner have split after years or weeks – it’s all a part of the journey. Some things don’t work out for a reason. You’re finding out who you are, what you like, and what you don’t. There’s room now for new opportunities and new people that are bigger and better. You’ve absolutely got this.