Everyone needs some time following a difficult break-up and a few proven strategies on how to handle the end of a significant relationship can make life a lot easier in the long run.
It is bad enough that people make mistakes following the end of a friendship. When it comes to more significant relationships, it seems people are prone to make bad decisions that only prolong their pain and suffering. It can be hard to accept that a relationship is over, but that is the really the first step after a break up, and without that level of acceptance, it will be more difficult to move forward. Everyone needs some time to sort out the loss and get comfortable as a single person again. A break-up is a time for renewal, and even though there may be a chance you could get back together again, staying friends with an ex will usually only prolong the pain.
You need to find out what makes you happy again and build a new life. To help with the difficult transition time following a break-up, here are some proven strategies on how to handle a break up after the end of a significant relationship:
Remove Visible Reminders –
You don’t need to be constantly reminded of a lost relationship, so remove all visible remnants and reminders of your time together that might be lying around like photos, trinkets, mementos, clothing, and jewelry. You don’t have to throw them out, just put them away where you don’t have to look at them for the time being.
Express Yourself –
It is normal to feel strong emotions following a break-up, often both good and bad. Don’t try to minimize or deny your own loss as negative emotions are actually a necessary part of the process of remaining healthy. Allowing time to feel emotions like loneliness, anger, fear, shame, uncertainty, humiliation, and sadness are an important part of healing after a breakup.
Meditation not Medication –
You may want to take some time to meditate and think abut things, but don’t fall into the trap of harmful self-medicating behaviors to cope with the pain after a break up. You may need a little bit of extra support during a particularly difficult break up, but using drugs, alcohol, sex, cutting, or any other harmful behaviors should be referred to professional help.
Be Quiet –
This one is simple, don’t talk to the person you're breaking up with on the phone, by email, or in person, period. There's no point losing more than you already have in a breakup, more communication with your ex is a sure way to get your feelings hurt.
Reconnect -
Hang out with your friends, party more often and eat lots of the food that makes you happy. Don’t forget to take some time to work through your feelings, and in no time you’ll be back to your old self.
