Relationship tips: Breakups can feel like a sense of loss, which is similar to grief. Allowing yourself to experience and process these feelings is essential for healing (Image: Canva)
Breakups can be hard. Learning how to best deal with them can make you stronger and more resilient. Allowing yourself time to grieve, being kind to yourself, limiting contact with your ex-partner and reaching out to your friends and loves one are some strategies that can help you cope with a bad breakup.
Focusing on self-improving, whether it is through exercise, healthy eating or learning a new skill, will not only take your mind off your loss, it will also send a signal to your brain that you are capable and ready to move on.
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Here are practical ways to handle a breakup:
Breakups can feel like a sense of loss, which is similar to grief. Allowing yourself to experience and process these feelings is essential for healing. Experts say acknowledging feelings of loss without judgment is essential in the grieving process.
A study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships also found that reflecting on a breakup in an emotionally open way can help people come to terms with the relationship’s end.
Also read | 7 simple habits that couples in a lasting relationship follow
It is important at this time to be kind and understanding to yourself and stop negative talk and self-blame. Research published in
Self and Identity demonstrates that self-compassion can help manage distress and reduce self-critical thoughts during difficult times, such as breakups.
- Limit contact with your ex-partner
According to a study in
Journal of Experimental Psychology, seeing or contacting an ex can activate areas in our brain that are linked to addiction and reinforce emotional pain, making it harder to move on. So whatever you do, avoid contact your ex to prevent the painful reopening of emotional wounds. Gradually reducing contact with the ex to allow emotional wounds to heal more effectively.
Friends and family can offer emotional support, distraction, and new perspectives, all of which are essential for processing a breakup. A survey by the
Indian Journal of Community Medicine found that people who have strong social networks were better able to cope with emotional distress. So go out with your friends and spend more time with your loved ones at this time.
- Engage in physical activity
A review in
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry concluded that exercise can be as effective as medication in treating mild to moderate depression. Physical activity boosts mood, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being, all important when you’re feeling sad and anxious after a breakup.
Also read | Relationship tips: How to make your partner feel safe and secure
Using this time for personal growth can shift your mindset from loss to self-improvement, increasing resilience and promoting a positive outlook on the future. This can lead to greater well-being and satisfaction.
- Consider professional help if needed
The
Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine (2019) reported that counselling significantly improved coping skills and mental well-being among individuals dealing with relationship distress. A therapist can provide you with coping strategies and a safe space to process difficult emotions, especially if the breakup has led to prolonged sadness or affects your day-to-day life.
By allowing yourself to grieve, practicing self-compassion, seeking support, and engaging in personal growth, you can make your recovery more effective and sustainable.
