How to Start Living Life for You Again After a Breakup
Relationships do end. It's a fact of life we all know, but it doesn't make the loss any easier. Whether it was an abrupt ending or mutual agreement to part ways, it's normal to struggle with your own identity when you no longer have a partner. Many people are defined by their relationship status, so much so that they don't like or know who they are when they're single. To help you bounce back from your breakup, this article will offer some fun activities and suggestions on how to reconnect with yourself. After all, you're going to be with you forever. It's time to embrace the single life and celebrate being alive with or without a partner.
Ask Yourself What You're Missing Most
A lot of people can't get over their ex because they think they complete them, but that isn’t the case. When you think about what you miss most, is it the person or what they make you feel? It's natural to miss a person you spent so much time with even if your relationship ultimately didn't end well. But what about being with them did you really love? If it was a connection, then you know that you value closeness. This is a signal to reach out and foster other meaningful relationships in your life.
Stay Active
Heartbreak can make you want to curl up under the covers and avoid everyone, but this only worsens feelings of loneliness. Instead, make it a goal to get outside for at least 30 minutes every day. Activities like walking your dog, jogging and cycling are great ways to start moving. Consider investing in something that gets you excited, like an eBike. Ebikes are easy, fun and can help you start to develop a new hobby that keeps you moving. If you decide to start biking, make sure you always wear a helmet. Safety first!
Practice Self-Care
You might wrestle with feelings of confusion, depression and even worthlessness after a breakup. This can make getting over your ex harder, but it also stops you from moving on, too. Self-care means checking in regularly, accepting your emotions and responding to them with kindness rather than shame or hostility.
If your mental health only seems to be getting worse these days, talk to someone you trust. You may decide to try therapy as well, which can give you a safe, confidential space to express what you're going through without involving people you know in real life. This might also be a good idea if you share close friends with your ex and don't want any unnecessary drama.
Therapy is also an excellent form of self-care because it's all about you. There aren't many things we get to do in our daily lives that are solely about our well-being. A counselor's only job is to help you nurture your mental health.
Meet New People
While it's never a good idea to rush into a new relationship after a breakup, you should still stay social. Meeting new people doesn't mean you're trying to date again right away. Expanding your social circle with new acquaintances and friends can help remind you that there are still a ton of interesting people out there worth knowing, and you're one of them.
You can meet people through clubs, MeetUp groups and local events. There's no pressure to find your next partner or bestie. Just get out and smile more. Strike up a conversation with the barista while they make your coffee. The key is to maintain a sense of vitality and possibility in your life, which many people feel is gone after ending a relationship.