We’ve all been through a breakup. Pain, confusion and instability, it’s an aftershock of feelings people can feel for weeks, even months after.
Now, during the pandemic, dealing with a breakup is even more challenging. Going to a bar to talk it over with your friends, a fun concert, a party, or even blowing off steam in your gym, all of that, that’s just not happening.
So, what can you do to feel better?
1. Surround yourself with friends
Even in lockdown, in the era where a handshake is something to be frowned upon, you can surround yourself with friends.
Instead of calling them out for a coffee or a drink, gather them on a group call. Tell them what happened and reach out for support. Your friends are there for you in the darkest times.
Phone calls, video calls, texting – everything is acceptable. Reach out to your family as well.
Talking with different people can not only make you feel better. Still, it can also give you different perspectives on how to handle your life post-breakup.
Also, even over video-calls, you get the chance to reconnect with your friends & family.
2. Get out of the house
There’s a big chance you’re living under pandemic restrictions and that you’re following the recommendation of staying at home. But, if you’re allowed to go out, try to spend as much time outside.
Fresh air improves your mood and focus, and that’s precisely what you need. If you can, ask a friend to join you on the walk.
Think about jogging, running or cycling. These sports are still allowed, and even though running may sound hard, it will help you. When you’re physically active, your body releases endorphins, a feel-good chemical to cope with the stress.
3. Cleaning your mind and your house
Out of sight, out of mind.
You heard this one before. It may sound like a cliche, but it is true. After a breakup, you need to clear everything that has to do with your ex.
Un-follow him/her on social media, as you will definitely feel the urge to check what is happening. Untag or delete the images you posted together. That’s a good step in the digital world.
Also, clear all the things that remind you of your ex in the wrong way. Give them away or recycle.
But, what about the things that aren’t yours? Surely you have some books, shirts, and some other stuff that piled up. You can’t just throw them away, but you also can’t look at them anymore.
If your ex and you aren’t talking, you can’t really expect they will pick it up.
You’re also probably wondering: How long do I have to keep my ex’s stuff? In some countries, like the UK, the legal period is three months.
The best you can do is pack them up in a box and get it in storage. That way, it’s out of sight, and your ex can contact them whenever without even communicating with you.
4. Think about your relationship: reflect
We all learn from our relationships. Consider this breakup as an opportunity to think about how this person influenced your life.
- Go back to the relationship and try to analyse it.
- Ask yourself some of these questions:
- Did you do something new when you were together?
- Did you meet new people?
- Did you ignore some signs that led to the breakup?
- Was there anything that you tolerated but would never endure again?
- Are you really ready for the next relationship?
5. Focus on yourself
You’ve just gotten out of a relationship where you shared your life with someone. Not only shared, you tuned it, so it’s a match.
Now, you don’t have to make any compromises anymore. You can watch that TV show he/she never wanted, eat garlic bread when you want to, and you have all the time in the world to do what you want. Enjoy your single life.
Focus on your needs and building self-esteem. Once you are confident enough, it’s time to move on. Even during the lockdown, you can meet someone new. Try to use dating apps; why not?
