In a perfect world, we would find the perfect relationship at the first time of asking, but the harsh reality is that most of us will experience a break-up or two on the road to finding our partner for life. Break-ups are almost impossible to take in stride, especially when they come at a time when we were not expecting it. In the aftermath of a break-up, the natural tendency is to wallow in self-pity and do things that are unhealthy, both physically and emotionally. There are much better ways to deal with the end of a relationship, some of which we are going to look at below.
The first thing to do is make sure that you are looking after yourself in the best way possible, which begins with treating your body the right way. Sugary snacks and junk food give us a little rush in the moments when we consume them, but after the fact, you are left feeling a whole lot worse. There are actually certain types of foods that are natural stress-busters, and which are healthy as well. The goal here is to feel better about yourself, which can come naturally when you are eating well.
Getting some exercise is also a good idea, as it will keep you healthy while also keeping stress and anxiety at bay. You do not need to hit the gym for hours on end to relieve that stress, as the simple act of getting out for a walk is good enough. Walking is incredibly good for you, but it also serves the purpose of getting you out of the house and out in the fresh air. The world always looks a whole lot better when viewed from the outside, so get out there and take it all in.
If you are planning on getting out, then invite a friend and/or family member along. These are the people that can help you navigate the rough waters that can after a break-up. I would recommend choosing a friend or family member who can do so without lingering on the topic or passing any type of judgement. Friends and family are there to listen when you need to talk things out, but they are also just as happy to play the patience game and give you the time and space you need before you are ready to talk about the end of a relationship.
These are all simple little things that you can do to add some positivity to your life after a break-up, but if you don’t have supportive people around you and/or you still feel depressed or unwilling to do anything but lay on the couch or in bed, it may be time to seek the help of a therapist. Don’t wait until you hit rock bottom before you decide to get the help you need. It’s also not a good idea to sit around and continually blame yourself for something that may have been out of your control. A therapist can help you come to terms with all the negativity that can come with a break-up and work with you on other perspectives to consider regarding the breakup.