First of all, I want you to take a deep breath. You clicked on this article for a reason. Whether you just cut ties with a toxic friend or just left a tumultuous relationship, I want you to first take a moment to take in what has just happened. You good? Okay, let’s start. The fact that you had the strength to leave a toxic relationship is something to be proud of. You finally realized you deserve better. Now, it is not going to be easy getting over this relationship, but trust me, it gets better. Here are some tips on how to get over this relationship, specifically for those who are in college.

1. If you haven’t already, delete them off all social media platforms

If you continue to have them on social media, you will never truly allow yourself to move on. Do you really want to see what they are doing every day? Delete, delete and repeat.

2. Go out more often than usual.

I know you feel like staying in your dorm all day, except to go to classes and then hop back into your bed and just cry for the rest of the day. Yes, do cry. But after you cry, get out into the world! There is so much more out there than your laptop screen and Netflix. When you go out and see different people and try new things, your mind will not even be on that toxic person.

3. Surround yourself with people who support and comfort you

Whether it’s mom or dad, a grandparent or a bestie, allow them back into your life. Have a good conversation with them, it does not need to be about the person you have just cut ties with. Knowing that you have people who care about you will help you realize what you deserve.

4. Focus on school

This sounds like a given, but whenever I had a toxic person in my life they always compromised my ability to focus on schoolwork and even attend classes. Do what's best for you and your future, write that paper, go to that lab and focus entirely on that. That person is out of your life now, do not let them affect your education and personal life anymore.

5. Find a new hobby

After getting out of a toxic relationship, I think what helped me grow as a person was finding a new hobby. I took on photography. Something I always wanted to try, but never gave myself the chance to fully encompass myself into. I found that I loved using Polaroid cameras and capturing photos of my friends. If you have a hobby you stopped doing because of that toxic relationship, pick it up again. I stopped reading and writing, the two things I thrive on. Once I picked up a book, I felt like myself again.

This is not going to be easy. This is going to take some time, but time will always win. The amount of strength you have right now will triple over time. As a person, you will grow from this. You are not the same person you were, and you should be glad. That person allowed someone toxic to control their happiness and emotions.

Learn from this, also know that you are worthy of something greater than that. You deserve to be happy and to be surrounded by people who care and support you. Take this with love because that is what I am sending towards you right now.

Virtual hugs to all, and good luck on your journey. It’s your turn to make all the decisions in your life.