5 (more) Ways to Heal After a Breakup

Most of us have been unlucky enough to feel the gut-wrenching heartache that comes when a relationship ends. Even when the separation was our decision, or the breakup makes sense logically, it seldom makes it easier to process the raw emotions as we are experiencing them. However, there are some simple tools we can use to help ourselves move through this healing process more easily.

If you read my previous post, "5 Ways to Heal After a Breakup" then you already have some tools at your disposal to help you process your separation and begin moving through the healing process in the early days and weeks following a breakup. Today I am going to be sharing five more tools to help you in those early days and weeks, so you can more easily find success and happiness (even if you may not see how that is possible in this moment).

1. Deep Clean - Get a Fresh Start!

Some of the loneliest times following a breakup can be in the evenings, after the day winds down, and before you go to bed. At this time it is easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of thoughts and a flood of emotions. Rather than succumb to this negativity, what I recommend is to use this time to get your home in order.

By cleaning and rearranging your space you can create a fresh, new feeling in your surroundings, which is extremely healing. Rather than giving yourself bangs (please don't!), try moving your couch to the other side of the room or hanging a picture on the wall. You'd be amazed what small changes can do to help revamp your space. Additionally, you will be filling your evenings with a productive activity that should help you fall asleep more quickly.

2. Spend Time in the Kitchen

Much like cleaning your home, spending time in the kitchen is a great way to fill the time that now feels empty. Take time to learn a new recipe, or make an old favorite. Focus on preparing fresh ingredients. Spending time in the kitchen learning new skills or preparing something delicious and healthy feels rewarding in and of itself. Eating healthier foods will also help your body feel better, and the better we feel physically, the better we feel emotionally.

3. Start Work on a Project

You may be detecting a theme here... This again is about filling your time and rewarding yourself by learning to do something new. Start a project. Whether that is an art project, a journal, putting together those photo albums you've been meaning to get to for the last 8 years... Now is the time! You probably have some extra time on your hands and some lingering negative emotions to process, and there is no better way (in my opinion) than by doing a little art therapy. Make something and you might be surprised at how much better it makes you feel. Don't even worry about the outcome, it is the process of creating that is important, not how pretty the end result is.

4. Laugh!

Find something to laugh about. Whether that is a funny movie, a comedian you particularly enjoy, or a binge session of your favorite YouTubers, find something funny to watch. When we smile and laugh, our brains produce endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which make us feel really good. So by finding something to laugh about, you can actually trick your brain into producing more of these "happy" neurotransmitters, and it can help you feel better. Remember that old saying "fake it 'til you make it"? There was some truth to that.

5. Take Your Time

This one I saved for last because I think it is probably the most important, so I wanted it to be the last one you read, and the one that really sticks with you. Remember, healing takes time. It is lonely. It hurts. I know, I have gone through and am going through the same thing. But if you don't take the time to heal, you will bring your old problems with you into any new relationship you may find yourself in. So I ask you, please take your time. Take care of your heart. Heal yourself and learn how to be happy in your own skin. Only when you are happy with yourself will you discover that you don't need another person to complete you, and then you can accept love freely as it is given.

If you enjoyed this, please go check out my previous article "5 Ways to Heal After a Breakup" and please consider subscribing for more content on self-help and being a single parent.

Want to read even more? Check out MendingMomma.com for more advice on healing from a breakup and life as a single parent. Want to show support? Your generous tips are greatly appreciated and go towards creating more content like this! Thank you!