7 Tips for Getting Over a Breakup

Breaking up sucks. Whether it was your choice or not, it's never a good time. Suddenly your life changes and in many ways it can feel empty; that person you talked to every single day is no longer there, they no longer text, and those things you would have always told them first suddenly have to be directed elsewhere or forgotten. So here are a few tips to help you keep going and to move on.

1. Spend time with friends and family.

This is not a time to sit around by yourself dwelling on the past. Spend time with friends and family who can help take your mind of it, talk it through with you, or just simply make you smile again. This is a time when we really need a good support network around us.

2. Put your energy into something productive.

Whether it's an existing hobby or a new one, occupy your mind with something positive and productive. Maybe you neglected a hobby during the relationship—well, now is the time to dive straight back in.

3. Get outside.

Fresh air really does work wonders. Getting outside for a walk, a bike ride, or even just sitting in the park can really help to clear your head and help you gain some perspective. When you see the world around you carrying on, it shows you that it is 100 percent possible to live without your ex.

4. Get active.

Exercise releases endorphins (the feel-good hormones) which will help kick you out of that post break-up funk and if it's been a particularly nasty break-up, putting it all into a kick boxing class could really help alleviate some of those negative emotions.

5. Have a clear out.

Tidy space, tidy mind is so true and can be very cathartic if you have a lot of reminders of your ex. Although you might want to, you don't necessarily need to burn everything that reminds you of them. You could try putting it all into a box and storing it away. Just make sure you resist the temptation to drunkenly pour over everything whilst crying your eyes out listening to sad love songs!

6. Look after yourself.

Although you're probably going to want to eat all the ice cream, chocolate, and biscuits you can, it really won't help you long term. By all means, treat yourself but over-indulging will only come back to bite you, leaving you feeling lethargic and putting your body under more stress. Treat yourself well by eating nutritious food and keeping yourself hydrated with water.

7. Don't rush yourself.

A break-up is a big upheaval. You may have been planning a future together and so now that it's over, the future seems very uncertain. Just give yourself time to find yourself again and to really get over it. There's no need to rush into another relationship or to sign up to every dating site known to man. There's no rush. When the time is right, the right person will come along and because you've given yourself time, you will be open and ready to explore a new relationship.

I could give you all the tips in the world, but at the end of the day, the best healer is time. As cliché as that sounds, its true. Be kind to yourself and use this time to fall back in love with who you are.