After a breakup, some people tend to spiral into a weird depression. They do self-destructive things such as serial texting their ex trying to force them to talk, not eating/overeating, drowning their sorrows in alcohol and other substances, or trying to fill the void their ex left by looking for another person, or multiple people, to fill it. There's nothing pretty about breakups, especially if what you two had was serious and long-term. But even if it wasn't, it still hurts like a b*tch when it ends. There are a few things you can do to ensure the health of your mind, body and soul.
Reconnect With Old Friends
Go ahead and text that friend who you grew apart from when you started dating your ex. You'd be surprised how comforting it is to hear from someone from the past. It's a reminder of a time before your ex, and before your heart break. Avoid talking to them a lot about your ex, though. Get caught up on other things, like what you've been up to. This forces you to think of yourself and listen to someone else who isn't asking you how you're doing through your breakup.
Cook Yourself A Nice Dinner
Either alone or with friends, look into your mom's weird, never-before-used cook book and make something good for yourself to eat. This presents you with a challenging task that is distracting and rewarding.
Buy Yourself Something You've Wanted For A While
I know shopping is a typical response to a breakup, but I'm not saying dive into some retail therapy, cause nothing is sadder than being alone AND broke. But maybe there was an article of clothing or something out there that you've wanted for a while but haven't brought yourself to purchase. Buying something for yourself allows you to be more independent. You don't need someone else to spoil you (though it is nice), you can do it yourself!
Take A Long Bubble Bath
I know this sounds strange, if you're not into bubble baths you can always substitute for a long hot shower, or a jacuzzi trip. But whichever the case, fill up the bath, put on some music, light some candles, and relax. You'll find a new level of peace within yourself after this. Bubble baths, especially when you use healing soaps and aroma therapy bath salts, are a huge stress reliever. This is personal time to relax. Add a glass of wine if you want and let yourself chill.
Endorphins are definitely your best friend at a time like this. Take care of your body and de-stress by going for a run once a day, or a few times a week. Don't take your sadness out on your body by eating junk or not eating at all. Make sure, if anything, your diet improves. Feeling good about yourself and your appearance is crucial at a time like this when your self-esteem may not be at its highest point.
Surround Yourself With Family And Friends
There's nothing more important than surrounding yourself with people who you know care about you and are there for you. True friends will go out of their way at times to make sure you're okay after a breakup. Even if it's just a few of you sitting in a room, it's so important to not spend too much time alone. Too much alone time will cause dwelling, overthinking and more sadness.
Cry
Let it out. Just do it. Cry in the shower, cry in your room while candles are lit and Bon Iver is playing in the background which amplifies the tears. Do what you gotta do to let those tears out. A lot of the time, you won't cry much the first day, but as a day or two passes and the shock wears off, you'll need to cry. But there's one thing you must remember: cry about it once or twice—then NEVER cry about it again. Don't let yourself spend days in bed bawling. That's a waste of precious time. Cry about it once, one good gut-wrenching cry, then lift up your head and stay strong.
If you're going through a breakup while reading this, I'm sorry. But just remember, if it's meant to be, it will be. You have to live your life in the meantime. The show must go on. Months from now when you are single and doing so well on your own, you'll look back and wonder why you wasted your tears on that person anyway.
