Breaking up is one of the hardest things a person can go through. It feels like a storm has come and taken away everything familiar. The memories, the laughter, the love, suddenly, it all feels like a distant dream. And here you are, left to pick up the pieces. But let me tell you something: you will heal. You will move forward, and one day, this pain will be a memory. For now, let’s talk about how to move on from a breakup.
1. Allow Yourself to Feel
The pain is real. The sadness, the anger, the confusion, it’s all valid. Don’t push your emotions away. Cry if you need to. Scream if it helps. Write your feelings down. Healing starts when you acknowledge what you’re feeling instead of pretending you’re fine. Heartbreak is not a sign of weakness; it’s proof that you loved deeply.
At times, it may feel like your heart is physically hurting. That’s okay. This is what grieving a relationship looks like. Let the emotions come in waves, let yourself sit with them, and then slowly, allow them to pass. Every tear you shed is one step closer to healing.
2. Cut Contact (At Least for Now)
Keeping in touch with your ex right after a breakup is like touching a wound before it has healed. It will only reopen the pain. Unfollow, mute, or block if needed. Give yourself space to breathe. Later, when you’ve truly healed, you can decide if you want to be friends, but for now, focus on yourself.
It’s tempting to check their social media, to see if they miss you, to wonder if they’ve moved on. But the truth is, the more you look, the harder it gets. Out of sight, out of mind. At least for now, create distance to allow your heart to recover.
3. Remove Triggers
That playlist you made together? That sweater that still smells like them? The old texts you keep rereading? Let them go. If you’re not ready to throw things away, put them in a box and store them somewhere out of sight. Healing is easier when reminders of the past don’t constantly surround you.
If a particular place brings back painful memories, try to avoid it for a while. If certain songs remind you of them, create a new playlist filled with empowering and uplifting music. You deserve a fresh start.
4. Talk to Someone You Trust
You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to a friend, a family member, or even a therapist. Sometimes, saying things out loud helps release the burden. A fresh perspective from someone who loves you can remind you that you’re not alone in this. It really helps you to move on from a breakup.
Expressing your emotions is a huge part of healing. Whether you vent, cry, or simply seek advice, surrounding yourself with supportive people can make all the difference. If you’re not comfortable talking, consider journaling, it’s a great way to process your emotions privately.
5. Focus on Self-Love
Now is the time to prioritize yourself. Do things that make you feel good.
- Take long walks in nature.
- Watch your favorite movies.
- Eat your favorite food guilt-free.
- Try a new hobby that excites you.
- Pamper yourself with a spa day or a good book.
The love you once gave to them? Redirect it towards yourself. You deserve it. You don’t need validation from anyone else to feel whole. You are enough, just as you are.
6. Stay Busy but Don’t Escape the Healing
It’s okay to distract yourself, but don’t use work, parties, or constant socializing to avoid facing your emotions. Find a balance. Keep yourself engaged but also give yourself time to reflect and heal.
Take this as an opportunity to grow. Learn something new, travel, meet new people. But at the same time, don’t suppress your feelings. True healing comes from facing the pain, not running from it.
7. Accept That It’s Over
This is the hardest part. Sometimes, we hold onto false hope. We wonder if they’ll come back, if things will change, if maybe this is just a phase. But holding onto the past stops you from moving forward. Closure comes from within, not from your ex. Accept that this chapter is over so you can turn the page. Accept that it’s time to move on from a breakup.
Acceptance doesn’t mean forgetting. It means understanding that you deserve a future that is not tied to the past. You are stronger than you think, and you will find love again.
8. Learn from It
Every relationship teaches us something. Instead of seeing it as a loss, see it as a lesson. Ask yourself:
- What did I learn about love?
- What did I learn about myself?
- What will I do differently next time?
The most powerful thing you can do after a breakup is grow from it. You are now wiser, more self-aware, and ready for something even better.
9. Believe That Better Things Are Coming
Right now, it might feel like you’ll never love again. But love is not a one-time thing. It will come back when you’re ready. Maybe in a new person, or maybe in yourself. Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. Trust that something beautiful is ahead.
Your heart has the capacity to heal, to love again, and to find happiness. Let this be your reminder that you are not broken, you are becoming.
10. Give It Time
Healing doesn’t happen overnight. Some days will feel better, some days worse. But every day, you’re moving forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it. One day, you’ll wake up and realize the pain isn’t as sharp. One day, you’ll think about them and feel nothing but gratitude for what was. Until then, be patient with yourself.
The healing journey is different for everyone. Give yourself grace, and trust the process.
Final Thoughts: You Will Be Okay
Breakups hurt, but they also lead to growth. You will love again. You will smile again. You will be happy again. Right now, just take it one day at a time. Be kind to yourself, and remember, you are not alone in this. You’ll be much better than you ever were, just don’t give up and move on from a breakup.
You got this. 💙