10 Tips for Dealing With Heartbreak
10 Tips for Dealing With Heartbreak
by Toya Foster, MA, LPC
10 Tips for Dealing With Heartbreak
The end of a relationship can be a heavy blow, leaving us feeling lost and heartbroken. These feelings are totally normal! The process of healing from a lost love involves facing and accepting a range of complex emotions, including grief and separation.
While this process can be challenging, it is an essential part of moving forward and finding a way to heal and we need to do it our own way.
As you move through the stages of grief, you may find yourself feeling a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, and even guilt. Though these emotions can be uncomfortable, it is essential to acknowledge them and work through them as this will help get you moving in the right direction and start feeling better.
This may involve journaling, meditation practices, or finding healthy outlets to express your complicated emotions such as through art or exercise.
Healing from heartbreak also requires recognizing the ways in which the relationship impacted your life and moving forward.
This may involve letting go of certain habits or thought patterns that no longer serve you and seeking out new experiences and relationships that align with your evolving goals and values.
Lastly, finding meaning and purpose can be a powerful way to heal from heartbreak. Whether it involves connecting with a new community, volunteering, or pursuing a career change, finding ways to channel your pain into something positive can help you move forward and find a new sense of hope and purpose in life.
Remember, healing takes time and patience, but with resilience and support, it is possible to come out stronger on the other side.
10 Tips for Dealing With a Broken Heart
If you're struggling to cope with the end of a relationship, here are 10 tips to help you heal a broken heart.
1. Acknowledge Your Painful Feelings.
One critical step in healing from heartbreak is acknowledging your difficult feelings and giving yourself permission to grieve.
It's okay to feel sad, angry or even guilty. Rather than attempting to avoid or suppress these emotions, take the time to feel them fully and embrace them. Acceptance will allow you to begin healing.
2. Cut off contact.
It can be challenging to move on when you are still in contact with your former partner. Cutting off contact for a while can be beneficial to your emotional healing process.
It may be hard to do so, but it will allow you to focus on yourself and give you the necessary space to heal. It may also be helpful to stay away from mutual friends until your brain processes what has happened giving your nervous system time to reset.
3. Take care of yourself.
Self care including taking care of your physical pain and mental health is critical during this time. Eat healthy, exercise and get enough sleep to help release the feel good hormones. Engage in activities that make you feel good and prioritize your well-being.
4. Find support.
Surround yourself with loved ones like a trusting family member or friends, or seek the support of a clinical psychologist or therapist-led support group to support your emotional wellbeing. Having a support system and trusted emotional connections can help you deal with the overwhelming emotions you're experiencing in your everyday life and provide you with guidance.
5. Be kind to yourself.
Remember to be gentle with yourself during this time. Avoid self-blame and practice self-compassion. You deserve kindness and understanding.
6. Focus on the present moment.
Try to stay present and avoid ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. Focus on the current moment and how you can take care of yourself in the present.
7. Practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises can help you stay grounded and present during this difficult time. These self-soothing tools are an excellent way to manage your stress hormone levels and anxiety and help you deal with any withdrawal symptoms you may be dealing with.
8. Express your emotional pain.
Writing in a journal or talking to someone about your feelings can help you process them and move forward. Expressing your emotions can help you understand what you're going through and start healing.
9. Cultivate a positive outlook.
Reframe negative thoughts and try to focus on the positive aspects of your life. This can help you minimize the impact of negative emotions and focus on your healing.
10. Take the healing process slow.
It's essential to take things slow after a breakup to make sure your own needs are taken care of. Rushing into a new relationship can be tempting, but it's important to take the time to heal and rediscover yourself before engaging in a new relationship.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with heartbreak can be challenging, but it's a necessary part of moving forward and finding happiness again.
Remember to take care of yourself, surround yourself with support, and be gentle with yourself during this time. With patience, time, and support, you'll heal and find love again.
Are you seeking support after a relationship has ended? Learn more about Toya’s Healing Heartbreak support group here, or request an appointment with one of our therapists here.
About Toya Foster, MA, LPC
Toya is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides comprehensive psychological care for couples and individuals.
Toya has completed Level 3 professional training in Gottman method couples therapy and is working towards certification. Toya works with expertise in trust recovery, rebuilding relationships, family of origin issues, and anxiety and emotional support for life’s challenges.
She is the facilitator for The Center for Relationships’ Healing Heartbreak support group. Toya believes in the potential of what has been broken or hurt to be healed in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.
Learn more about Toya Foster here.