No matter if it was a relationship or a friendship, when someone you care about leaves your life, it hurts. But it's important to not become buried in the hurt. Practice some self-love so you can move upward and onward towards happiness, because honey, you deserve it!
1. Don't look back!
This, in my personal experience, is the hardest part. There will always be an urge to look back on the times that made this person, whether a significant other, best friend, or even family member, so special to you. This time is about you now, so toss all other distractions out the window. In order to align your life the way you need to after this loss, you must focus on what you need, as opposed to nursing the thought of this relationship. It isn't easy, but once you can focus on yourself, you can pave your path.
2. Align your life.
In a relationship, there's a tendency to form a routine - not just with that person, but with your personal life, as well. Your bedtime, eating habits, and even your alone time is subject to your significant other, which is what makes a relationship work so well. But this can also hurt you in the long-run. It's sometimes difficult to break through that routine and start forming one that is beneficial to you.
There are a lot of ways to develop new routines for your individual self, like buying a planner. Planners are a great way to visualize what you need to get done in the week. They also help with sleep schedules and personal time to set aside. You should also consider adopting a solid skincare routine. A skincare routine isn't only beneficial to, well, your skin but also to your mental health. Make it a pleasure, not a chore, to be taking care of your body, and use it as a time to unwind from a long day or a positive way to start your morning. And lastly, picking up hobbies that you enjoy is a great way to connect with yourself. When someone who was close to you leaves your life, you're forced to focus on yourself, and you may need something to fill that quiet time. Try something you've always wanted to do, or even take up something you've always had a passion for - the possibilities are endless.
3. Reach out and rebuild relationships.
This pointer hits very close to home for me. After I got out of a long relationship, I realized I had traded a lot of my friends for more time with my significant other. In turn, I lost a lot of them. Rebuild those relationships. Go get coffee, go for a drive, or just talk on the phone. Sincerely apologize for the behavior you displayed. Go out with your people and remind them how much they mean to you.
