We’ve all been there—standing in the aftermath of a breakup, feeling like the rug has been pulled out from under us. Heartbreak can be incredibly painful, and even though it’s a part of the human experience, that doesn’t make it any easier to handle.
Whether the relationship ended suddenly or after months of struggle, the emotional weight can be overwhelming. It’s important to recognize that healing from a breakup is a process, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away.
How to heal a broken heart after a breakup?
Going through a breakup can feel like the end of the world, leaving you questioning your next steps. But healing doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s important to allow yourself the space to grieve, reflect, and slowly rebuild. Don’t pretend you’re okay if you’re not. Don’t fake happiness if you feel miserable. Just give yourself time to heal.
Lean on Loved Ones
One of the first things to remember is that you don’t have to go through it alone. During this time, it’s crucial to lean on the people who care about you. Whether it’s family, friends, or close colleagues, these are the people who can provide a safe space for you to share your feelings, vent, or simply sit in silence together.
It’s easy to retreat into isolation after a breakup, but withdrawing too much can make things worse. Talking with someone who listens and understands can help you process your emotions in a healthy way. A study from George Washington University actually showed that receiving support after a breakup enhances health and well-being.
Sometimes, just hearing a comforting voice or getting a warm hug is enough to make the weight of the heartache feel a little lighter. Let yourself lean on your support system—they want to help, and their love can act as an anchor during this turbulent time.
Don’t Rush Yourself
The healing process doesn’t follow a set timeline, and that’s okay. There’s no need to push through it in a month or a year. It’s important not to rush yourself through your emotions. Breakups are a major life event, and healing from them can take time—sometimes a lot of time.
Give yourself permission to feel all the emotions that come with a breakup. Sadness, anger, confusion, and even relief are all normal feelings. By acknowledging them instead of pushing them away, you’ll be better able to process the emotions rather than letting them fester and affect your well-being.
Don’t be afraid to take breaks when you need them. Healing isn’t linear, and that’s perfectly fine. Sometimes, you might feel like you’re making progress, only to find yourself back at square one. Taking time for yourself allows you to recharge, reflect, and understand your emotions better, without the pressure of feeling like you need to “move on” within a certain time frame.
Focus on Things That Bring You Joy
After a breakup, it can be easy to feel like joy has slipped out of reach. It’s normal. Your routine has been disrupted, and the person you may have shared everything with is no longer part of your life. It’s important to remind yourself that joy still exists in the world, even if it feels distant for a while. It’s time to rediscover the things that make you happy—things that bring you comfort, peace, and maybe even a little fun.
Get back to your hobbies or activities that have always made you feel good—whether it’s reading, cooking, dancing, or going for walks in the park. These small but meaningful activities can serve as reminders that life is still full of wonderful things. You might even find that reconnecting with old interests or trying out something new can help you regain a sense of self and purpose.
Taking time to focus on your own happiness might not only serve as a healthy distraction, but it can also help you reconnect with yourself. After a breakup, it’s common to lose sight of who you are outside of the relationship, so doing things you enjoy can help you rediscover your passions and reinvigorate your spirit.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential when you’re healing from a breakup. It’s easy to neglect your own well-being when you’re consumed by the pain of the breakup, but that’s when self-care is most important. Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health can help you feel grounded and more in control as you navigate the healing process.
Start by getting enough rest. Sleep plays a crucial role in emotional regulation, and being well-rested can help you manage stress and prevent negative feelings from spiraling out of control. Regular exercise is another great way to take care of yourself. Whether it’s a yoga session, a long walk, or hitting the gym, movement can work wonders for your overall health.
Don’t forget about nourishing your body with healthy food, either. If you’re not up for elaborate meals, that’s okay—just try to make small, thoughtful choices to support your body’s healing.
Above all, be kind to yourself. Acknowledge that it’s okay to not be okay for a while, and that it’s normal to need time to recover. Don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t feel ‘better’ right away. Healing takes time, and self-compassion is key.
Talk to a Professional
Sometimes, heartbreak can feel so overwhelming that it’s hard to cope on your own, even with the support of friends and family. In these cases, it can be incredibly beneficial talking to a professional; such as someone who has completed their Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling online or any related qualifications. Therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals are trained to help people work through the complex emotions that come with breakups.
A therapist can provide you with valuable tools to help you understand and process your emotions, and they can offer objective advice to help you make sense of the situation. Therapy can also give you a safe and confidential space to talk about your feelings without judgment. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or if you find yourself turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, seeking help from a professional is an important step.
It’s a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek professional support when you need it. Therapy is a way to invest in your emotional well-being and take proactive steps toward healing.
Everything Will Turn Out Okay Eventually; Hang in There
Moving on from a breakup is never easy, but it doesn’t last forever. With time, patience, and support, you’ll come out stronger and more resilient.
A study from Monmouth University actually showed that, after a certain period following a breakup, many people begin to feel more positive emotions and experience an empowering process of rediscovery.
Of course, the journey to healing a broken heart is different for everyone. But take it with the confidence that you’ll find peace and happiness again.
References:
Riemann, W. B. (2024) A qualitative analysis and evaluation of social support received after experiencing a broken marriage engagement and impacts on holistic health. Qual Res Med Healthc;8(1):11603.
Lewandowski, G. W. & Bizzoco, N. M. (2007) Addition through subtraction: Growth following the dissolution of a low quality relationship. The Journal of Positive Psychology; 2(1):40-54.
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