There is no other way to put it; break-ups suck. A lot. Binge watching Netflix and eating notorious amounts of chocolate and ice cream (all while simultaneously stalking your ex on social media) are okay coping strategies for a day or two. But there are plenty of other healthier, more productive ways to get over your break-up. Here is a list of 8 ways to get over a break-up that won’t leave you feeling as crappy as all that junk food will.
1. Makeover your Look– We have seen this strategy used countless times in almost all pre-2010s romantic comedies and it seriously works. A break-up means there will be change in your life, so you might as well embrace it starting with your look. Enter singlehood feeling like a new person. Go get that new “lob” that we have been seeing on all the celebrities. Maybe mix in some edgier pieces into your wardrobe this season. The makeover doesn’t have to be drastic, but it will help you have an official fresh start to this new (and exciting) chapter in your life!Â
2. Read a Book– Set some time aside for yourself and indulge in the book that you have been wanting to read since freshman year. Having routine quality time with yourself allows you to reflect on the world around you. Books allow us to think about a storyline in a different way than watching the movie version. Pick something you know will speak to you; it might provide some unexpected insight during this time. Plus a book is a great way to distract yourself from the pain of heartbreak.
3. Write it Out– Especially right after the break-up, it’s hard to sum up everything you’re feeling. When people ask how you’re doing, sometimes all you want to say is “I don’t know.” By writing out your feelings it can help you organize your thoughts and allow you to think more clearly about things. Start by journaling what you did that day – it might inspire you to do more than watch another season of Gilmore Girls. Don’t feel like you need to write anything professional or profound, this can just be for your eyes only!
4. Go on a Road Trip– Putting yourself in a different environment is a great way to help with the break-up blues. Reignite your adventure and curiosity by exploring somewhere you have never been. A different environment will also remove a lot of the things that might remind you of your ex. It doesn’t have to be elaborate and it doesn’t have to even be overnight, but going outside of your house (and campus) will help you realize the world hasn’t ended yet.
5. Hang out with friends– Spending quality time with your girlfriends and guy-friends is a good reminder that you do not need a significant other in your life. While alone time is important during a break-up, spending time with people who care about you is equally as important. Friends have a magical way of reminding you how amazing you are and how un-amazing your ex was. Even if all of you only spend a cheesy night in playing board-games and prank-calling your ex, it’s going to be a whole lot better than spending another night pouting by yourself.Â
6. Start a New Hobby (Or Revisit an Old One)- This is by far the best way to get your mind off of a painful break-up. Take those salsa lessons you have been wanting to take forever. Or finish the painting that you have always been meaning to. Being single isn’t always a negative thing. It means that you have more time to do things that interest you. Who knows, maybe you will find a life-long passion. Â
7. Indulge in Retail Therapy– This isn’t a suggestion to go spend a month’s worth of rent on those shoes you will probably never wear, but indulging yourself isn’t always wrong. You’re going through a tough time, so don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a little something special. It will give you something to feel excited about and maybe even inspire you to wear something other than sweats to that 8:30 class of yours!Â
8. Take a Break From Social Media– Sometimes we just wish the world would stop for us. It isn’t easy seeing pictures and posts about other people being happy when you’re not. It’s also not easy having to answer people’s question about why you are no longer in a relationship on Facebook. Try taking a break from social media to give yourself space to relax and reflect on the present. Even if its just for a couple of hours in the evening, it can help you get a clear head. You don’t have to be on social media 24/7.Â
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No matter how you choose to handle your break-up, in the end it will always take time. Don’t feel bad about taking time for yourself and to mend that aching heart. Remember you were fine before your ex came into your life, and you will be fine now. You are still the same incredible person you were before, regardless of your relationship status.
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