7 Radical and Fun Ways to Get over a Breakup

It’s over. Time feels wasted. Your heart feels diminished, and you are absolutely devastated. We’ve all been through it before, and many of us will go through it many times. When you’re a broken mess, it’s hard to do anything besides eating tubs of ice cream and trying to watch your favorite shows instead of going to work, and refusing to see people. But you can’t let that stop you. I’ve compiled a list of ways to get over a breakup that are healthy and productive. Instead of eating ice cream and moping around, these will give you outcomes you deserve.

1. Take a class.

The act of learning pushes you to remember that there is an entire world out there left to be discovered. Taking a geography class will remind you of all the places all over the world that there are, a religion class might teach you the ways other cultures and societies deal with the “Why are we here?” question, or maybe even take a Persian language class just because you think it sounds beautiful. When we take the time to learn about something, we end up subconsciously learning about ourselves as well. Getting away from it all and rediscovering the world is the key to moving past it.

2. Do the things you believed you couldn't.

Terrible at learning a language? You would look terrible as a redhead? You just wouldn’t be able to rock that shade of lipstick? The only reason these boundaries exist is because we make it so. Cut your hair, dye it purple, try out a new nail shape, buy that neon pink lipstick. Try new things. Stop allowing the voice in the back of your head to take control of your life. Just do it, and before you know it you’ll have so much more confidence in yourself than you had even before your ex came into the picture.

3. Dance!

How long has it been since you had fun? Sure, you and your ex went out and did some fun things together, but how long has it been since you were able to go out and not worry about who your ex is looking at or who’s looking at them. When is the last time you got the girls/guys together and just went out and had a great night? Dance it off, dress however you want to dress, and remember how many people there are in this world. Maybe this breakup was a blessing in disguise. Radiate good energy and the pain will ease naturally.

4. Learn to meditate.

Meditating is amazing, but most people don’t know that. They believe you have to be a part of one religion, or need to run off to India to get trained, and let me be the first to tell you: you’re wrong. Meditating is peace for the soul, quieting the mind just long enough to reach the infinity you have within you. Best of all, it’s easy! I recommend buying a Japa Mala and learning how to use it or even just downloading a meditation app (I like Oak), and learn how to quiet the mind. All it takes is finding a mantra, sitting down, and slipping away into your silent mind. Find peace within yourself.

5. Buy a plane ticket.

Drastic, I know, but this is my number one. What better way to get over it by exploring somewhere new? Go to the place you’ve always wanted to, alone or with a friend, and explore the world! If you’re on a smaller budget, that doesn’t hinder you. What about places within your own country, or even your own state, that you have yet to explore? Maybe it means getting away and exploring the mountains, or camping out for a week. Get away and find love in nature and within people.

6. Throw a party.

Did you have to cut a few people off during your relationship? Did you drift away from some friends to spend more time with you? Invite them over. Stress-clean the house, make some finger foods, and invite your old and current friends over just to have a good time! In the midst of it all, you’ll find a support system, and maybe get invited out to different places and connect with people you never thought you would in the process!

7. Volunteer at a women’s, men’s, or children’s shelter.

Volunteering in general puts so much love in your heart. But to volunteer at a shelter, especially one where people absolutely need the help, is so rewarding. Especially when you’re able to give advice, give out hugs, and put all of your heart into them. If you’re not very social, there are plenty of animal shelters as well. The spirit of volunteering can get you through anything.

You can do this.

When there’s so much to love in this world, why would you let one person take it all away? There is more to love than just a man or a women, there is an entire world, a whole lot of passions, and even more people whose friendship would mean more than any relationship ever will. Find that and you’ll be happier than ever before.