10 Tips For Dealing With Break Ups

The period immediately following a relationship’s end is always tough, but these 10 tips for dealing with break ups can certainly help. Of course, some days will be better than others. Every once in a while a pang of sadness will hit -- this is impossible to avoid. But by using these tips, you can keep those miserable post-break up feelings few and far between until they eventually disappear.

1. Surround yourself with friends. This is without a doubt of the best and most universal break up tips, Most of the pain following a tough break up stems from loneliness and isolation. So, instead of holing yourself up at home for days, get out and spend some time with friends. It will be a welcome distraction.
2. Shift your focus onto yourself. It can actually be helpful to view your newfound singlehood as an opportunity for self improvement. Whether it’s getting in shape, striving for a promotion, or attaining a higher GPA, the chance to worry about only yourself for awhile really does have its advantages.
3. Purposefully avoid negative self views. The worst thing you can do after a break up is play the relationship back in your head repeatedly, finding every little thing you may have done wrong. It will only serve to diminish your self confidence further and could even reopen healing wounds.
4. Find new routines. Humans are creatures of habit. When something as life-altering as a break up happens, people often find that every part of their life is off-kilter. Try to develop new routines that you feel comfortable with as quickly as possible to get back into a rhythm.
5. Stay active. This break up tip actually works in a couple of ways. First, physical activity will distract you from negativity and actually boost your mood while you do it. Second, the results will improve your confidence and spur you to move on.
6. Pick up old interests. During serious relationships, many often tend to lose touch with hobbies they once loved due to a lack of free time. But, now that your time is your own, you’re once again free to pursue those interests. View the break up as a second chance to cultivate them.
7. Flirt. Though you probably won’t be ready to dive straight into another relationship right after a break up, it never hurts to flirt a little. A positive response from the other person will serve to reinforce your confidence and remind you that there are millions of other chances at love out there.
8. When things get tough, vocalize it. As mentioned before, some days are bound to be rougher than others. On the really bad ones, don’t be afraid to talk to close friends or family about how you’re feeling. Few things are as therapeutic as an understanding ear.
9. Sever all contact and reminders if need be. If you find yourself going back to old photo albums, letters or text messages from your ex after a break up, consider it a red flag. Keeping reminders around will repeatedly drag you back to the place in time that you’re trying to escape.
10. Avoid drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. This break up tip should be obvious, but people still find themselves falling into the trap of substance abuse after a serious relationship. By doing the things above and generally keeping busy, you should be able to avoid the snare.