Let’s face it: heartbreak sucks. It’s like someone pulled the rug out from under you, and now you’re lying on the floor wondering how you’ll ever get up. I’ve been there—ugly crying at 2 AM, stalking their social media (we’ve all done it, no judgment), and questioning if I’d ever feel okay again. But guess what? I made it through, and so can you. This is my story of survival, healing, and coming back stronger than ever. And hey, I’ll throw in some practical tips that actually worked for me because heartbreak is hard enough without cryptic advice like “just move on.”
Ready? Grab a snack, and let’s dive in.
Let Yourself Feel All the Feels
When my relationship ended, my first instinct was to push down my emotions and pretend I was fine. Spoiler alert: that didn’t work. You can’t heal what you don’t feel. Cry if you need to, binge-watch sad movies (I personally recommend The Notebook for a solid cry session), and let yourself be angry, hurt, and everything in between. It’s okay. Feelings aren’t the enemy—bottling them up is.
Pro Tip: Journaling helped me a lot. Write down everything you’re feeling, even if it sounds ridiculous. It’s like venting to a friend who never interrupts.
Lean on Your People
I’ll be honest, I ghosted my friends for a bit after the breakup because I didn’t want to be the “sad friend.” But the moment I reached out, they were there with snacks, memes, and zero judgment. Surround yourself with people who love you—whether it’s your best friend, sibling, or even that one coworker who somehow always knows when you need a coffee.
Relatable Moment: My bestie literally staged an intervention with ice cream and bad karaoke. It was both hilarious and healing.
Avoid the Social Media Trap
Raise your hand if you’ve ever stalked an ex’s Instagram at 1 AM and felt 100 times worse. Yep, me too. It’s tempting, but trust me, it only makes the heartbreak harder. Unfollow, mute, block—do whatever it takes to avoid the endless spiral of “Who is that new person liking their posts?!”
Pro Tip: If blocking feels too extreme, at least mute them for a while. Out of sight, out of mind works wonders.
Find a New Hobby (or Rediscover an Old One)
Post-breakup, I suddenly had all this free time that used to be filled with texts, calls, and date nights. So, I decided to learn how to paint. Spoiler alert: I’m no Picasso, but splashing paint on a canvas was oddly therapeutic.
Whether it’s joining a dance class, learning a new language, or even trying out that yoga app you downloaded months ago, keeping busy helps. Plus, it’s a great reminder that you’re more than your relationship.
Exercise, Even If It’s Just a Walk
Look, I’m not going to tell you to hit the gym and get a “revenge body” because healing is about your mind as much as your body. But moving around, even if it’s just a 15-minute walk while blasting your favorite playlist, can seriously boost your mood. Endorphins are a real thing, and they help.
Funny Moment: I once tried a YouTube Zumba class in my living room and almost broke a lamp. 10/10 would still recommend.
Cut Off Contact (At Least for a While)
This one’s hard, I know. But constant “just checking in” texts or late-night calls don’t help anyone. I tried the whole “let’s stay friends” thing immediately after my breakup, and spoiler: it was a disaster. Give yourself time and space to heal before even considering friendship.
Pro Tip: Delete their number if you have to (or at least rename them to “Do Not Text” in your phone).
Don’t Rush into Dating Again
There’s no prize for getting over someone the fastest. I tried dating too soon, and let’s just say my heart wasn’t in it. Take your time. Focus on yourself first. The dating apps will still be there when you’re ready.
Relatable Moment: My first post-breakup date ended with me ranting about my ex. Not my finest moment.
Redecorate Your Space
Sometimes, a little change in your surroundings can make a big difference. I rearranged my room, bought some fairy lights, and suddenly, it felt like a new chapter. It’s a small thing, but it helps.
Pro Tip: Plants. Get yourself a cute little plant. If I can keep one alive, so can you.
Focus on Your Career or Studies
Throwing myself into work was one of the best decisions I made. Not only did it keep me busy, but it also reminded me that I have goals and ambitions beyond my relationship. Plus, achieving something at work gave me a confidence boost when I needed it most.
Relatable Moment: My post-breakup productivity was so high, my boss thought I’d started drinking too much coffee.
Practice Self-Care (and No, It’s Not Just Bubble Baths)
Self-care isn’t just face masks and Netflix marathons (though those are great too). It’s also about setting boundaries, saying no when you need to, and being kind to yourself. I started small—drinking more water, taking breaks when I needed them, and yes, sometimes treating myself to overpriced lattes because why not?
Pro Tip: Make a self-care checklist. Sometimes we forget to do even the basics when we’re heartbroken.
Laugh (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
Comedy specials, funny podcasts, silly TikToks—whatever makes you laugh, do more of it. Laughter really is the best medicine.
Funny Moment: I rewatched Friends for the millionth time and still laughed at every Chandler Bing joke.
Travel, Even If It’s Just a Weekend Getaway
A change of scenery works wonders. I took a solo trip to a nearby town, explored cute cafes, and for the first time in weeks, I felt like myself again.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to go far. Even a day trip can give you that fresh perspective.
Limit the “What Ifs”
It’s so easy to spiral into thoughts like “What if I had done this differently?” I’ve been there, replaying every moment in my head. But here’s the thing: no amount of overthinking will change what happened. Focus on what’s next, not what could have been.
Relatable Moment: I even Googled “How to stop overthinking a breakup.” The irony wasn’t lost on me.
Celebrate Small Wins
Got out of bed today? Win. Didn’t text your ex? Big win. It’s okay to celebrate the little victories. Healing isn’t linear, but every small step counts.
Pro Tip: Make a “done” list instead of a “to-do” list. It feels so good to check things off.
Seek Professional Help If You Need It
There’s no shame in talking to a therapist. I did, and it helped more than I can say. Sometimes, you need someone outside your circle to give you perspective.
Pro Tip: If therapy feels too intimidating, start with online support groups or mental health apps.
Remember That Healing Isn’t a Race
Some days you’ll feel great, and other days you’ll be back in your PJs watching sad movies. Both are okay. Healing takes time, and that’s perfectly fine.
Relatable Moment: I once declared I was “over it” in the morning and then cried over a song in the afternoon. The journey is real.
Surround Yourself with Positivity
Whether it’s motivational podcasts, uplifting books, or even just unfollowing negativity on social media, fill your world with positivity. It makes a difference.
Pro Tip: Create a playlist of songs that make you feel unstoppable. Mine includes a lot of Lizzo.
Visualize Your Future
This might sound cheesy, but imagining my future self—happy, successful, and thriving—gave me hope. I even made a vision board, and yes, it included lots of travel pics and cute dogs.
Pro Tip: Manifestation isn’t magic, but it helps to have a clear picture of what you want.
Conclusion: You’ve Got This
Heartbreak feels like the end of the world, but it’s really just the end of a chapter. My journey wasn’t easy, and there were plenty of messy, tear-filled nights. But every step, every small win, brought me closer to feeling whole again. You’ll get there too. Take it one day at a time, be kind to yourself, and remember that you’re stronger than you think.
And hey, when you come out on the other side, you’ll not only be okay—you’ll be unstoppable.
You’ve got this.
