How to Heal After a Breakup: Take the High Road in 8 Ways

Feeling helpless about how to heal from a breakup is fairly common.
When a relationship ends, it can feel like your world has taken a complete 180-degree turn, and all you want to do is question the world for bringing you such an amazing person only for it to fail.
Heartbreak isn’t something we wish on anyone, not even the meanest people we know. It’s painful, disorienting, and disruptive to daily existence. This is why people who have experienced such loss may struggle to figure out how to heal after a breakup because it is not just the person you lose—it is also the companionship, the dreams you both shared, the financial security, and the hope of having a complete, happy family.
Yes, getting over a relationship breakup is no easy feat, but we know one thing for certain: this feeling doesn’t last forever. It does take time, but there will always be good days ahead (as well as rough patches in between).
If you’re here because you’re currently experiencing post-relationship blues, first and foremost, allow us to extend our warmest virtual hugs.
We may not know what fully transpired in your relationship, but we’re here to give you a sense of comfort as you move forward, supported by the recommendations of professional therapists.
How to Cope With Breakup Healthily
We recognize how tempting it is to let your emotions run wild. But doing so can lead to poor decisions. In light of this, we suggest you keep the following things in mind to deal with a breakup healthily:
Allow Yourself to Feel Every Emotion
Breakups can elicit a variety of painful and unsettling emotions. Some people feel broken, some people feel relieved, while others feel both at the same time, which is all valid and acceptable.
Grief, which can manifest in a variety of ways, is a natural response to loss. As claimed by Psychologs Magazine, men are especially afraid of their own emotions for fear of being perceived as weak and unmanly.
But remember that allowing yourself to face these emotions is what allows you to truly let go and move forward.
Talk About How You’re Feeling
We understand that sitting by yourself can be more comforting than telling others about your experiences, but you do not have to go through this alone. Talk to your friends and family. If you are going through a divorce and do not want to talk about it with your loved ones, you could join marriage breakup support groups.
Create outlets for your emotions and allow yourself to talk about them. Isolating yourself can be harmful to your physical health because it raises stress levels, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and a weakened immune system.
Take Some Time Out to Relax
There’s no shame in taking some time off from work because you aren’t feeling emotionally well. Do things that relax you, such as binge-watching movies, visiting a new restaurant, staying overnight at a beach or mountain house, or simply getting a much-needed 8-hour sleep.
It’s okay to be less productive than usual for a while. Rest is essential for regaining the calm, clarity, and efficiency necessary to pursue your goals again.
Reduce Contact or Consider No Contact
You may be wondering, “Should I reach out to my ex?”
After a period of no contact, this is relatively normal, especially if you are in the early stages of healing and remain motivated by melancholy and nostalgia. However, we strongly advise you not to.
Reaching out to them can only disrupt both of your emotions. Your ex may also feel disrespected if you suddenly knock on her door again. Just stay in your lane and prioritize self-care.

“Should I reach out to my ex?" is a frequently asked question by people who have recently lost contact with their exes.
Keep Busy With New Hobbies
Losing someone can also mean making way for new and better things. Take advantage of your breakup to try new things, like hobbies you’ve always wanted to do but have been afraid to pursue. Don’t let your breakup hold you back from realizing your full potential!
Not a good swimmer but fascinated by sea creatures? Take a freediving lesson. Feeling at your best when you express yourself through writing? Sign up for websites like Medium that allow you to freely publish your work!
Prioritize Creating Healthy Habits
When pursuing new hobbies, make sure to include wholesome and healthy activities. This includes exercising, eating a well-balanced diet, spending less time on social media, and steering clear of any vices.
Specifically, according to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation in 2024, one of the factors influencing a person’s use of alcohol and drugs is the need to cope with problems and stress. Remember that you can always choose healthier options available to you as you navigate through difficult times.
Consider Visiting a Mental Health Counselor
Let’s break the stigma of visiting a mental health counselor, especially for men. This is particularly important if you’ve been feeling depressed for up to two weeks. Visiting one is similar to seeing a regular doctor, but with them, you can express your emotions and experiences deeply, safely, and privately.
No, you’re not crazy or weak for seeing one. You’re a human being who requires the assistance of mental health professionals to best overcome your challenges.
Focus On the Good Aspects of the Breakup
We know how bittersweet goodbyes can be, but you don’t have to burden yourself by dwelling on the negative events that happened. Instead, make an effort to shift your perspective so that you see the situation as a learning opportunity and a blessing in disguise.
Perhaps she wasn’t the one because the one for you is actually found overseas. Or perhaps that good relationship has simply run its course, and there is no way to save it except to accept that some people grow apart.
Nevertheless, dealing with how to heal after a breakup depends on your willingness to create a better reality for yourself. Remember to take it easy, because healing has no set timeline. Keep your focus on your own path and healing, and know that you are worthy of the love you give yourself.
References:
Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (2024). “Why do people use?”. adf.org.au https://adf.org.au/talking-about-drugs/family-and-friends/why-people-use/
Psychologs Magazine. (2023). “Why Do Men Hide Their Emotions?”. Psychologs: India’s First Mental Health Magazine. https://www.psychologs.com/why-do-men-hide-their-emotions/#:~:text=Men%20are%20often%20afraid%20of,weak%2C%20immature%2C%20and%20unmanly.