Break-ups suck. There's no other way to put it. If you're feeling down and you need a reminder that this is all temporary, check out these 5 tips to help you get back on your feet and smile again. Remember: you can't have sunshine without a little rain.

1. Express your emotions in a HEALTHY way

Unsplash

It's like getting the toxin out of your system. Cry it out, talk it out, write it out. Go on a run and scream the lyrics to your fav song as loud as you can. Whatever works for you. Do it until you feel like that invisible weight is lifted off your chest and you feel better. Bottling things up only makes you feel worse.

2. Focus on yourself, however that means to you

Pinterest

I cant say this enough. Get a new hobby, find a new job, move somewhere else, do all the things you've wanted to do but never did because you settled down for that person in a relationship. You're free now- pursue your passion. Watch how much you grow. You'll be happier, more content, and probably healthier too.

3. Spend time with your loved ones

NPR

Refocus your attention to your friends and family. Refocus on faith. I became 10x closer to my faith and my friends after going through a breakup. I prayed every day, I really thought about what God's will was for me at that time and I received an immense amount of support from friends near and far, which made me realize that I was loved all along, and it was time for me to give that love back to the people who matter now.

4. Use this as a time of growth

Linkedin

After going through a break up in the fall, I changed everything about myself and became a better person. I picked up new hobbies, I became healthier, more religious, I made new friends and experienced some of the best weeks/nights of my life with old friends who had been there for me all along. And I watched as I became happier over time with where my life had gone. It's what I needed, to be pushed out of my comfort zone and forced to grow into someone completely different. I needed that more than I realized, and oh am I so proud to see all that I accomplished afterward when I put myself first. I wouldn't have accomplished all that I did if I was still with him. And eventually, I realized, I was always happier without him. And that was my motivation

5. Know there will be someone else

LifeOfPix

We've all been through the hopeless stage of "How am I ever going to love someone else as much as I loved my ex?" phase. But with time, I got back out there. I crushed on several great guys over the past year, stayed up with some talking for hours until the middle of the night, strolling along with the prettiest cities at night with them and made great memories even if we never made into a relationship. But I formed new memories, felt new feelings, laughed and smiled again, and understood that there will be someone else. Someone better, someone kinder, respectful, loyal, and more. I met plenty who fit those criteria and made me way happier than I ever thought I could be after getting my heartbroken. It's the best feeling when you realize that you were always better off without them.

But most importantly, it's okay to struggle. Healing is not a linear process and you're not going to feel ready to move on right away. Take as much time as you need to sort through this tough period, and remember that if someone who didn't treat you with love or respect walked away, you didn't lose. You won. You're free. Yes, it sucks and it hurts like hell, but you'll get through it ten times stronger than before.