Breakups are tough, and getting over one can feel like an uphill battle. It’s normal to feel lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next. But the good news is that you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Whether you’re just starting to heal or are a little further along, there are practical steps you can take to move forward.
In this blog post, I’ll share 15 things you can do to help you cope, recover, and eventually thrive again after a breakup. From self-care to reflection, these tips are designed to support you during this difficult time.
15 Tips For Moving On After A Breakup
Breaking up is never easy. Whether you were the one who initiated it or the one who was caught off guard, the emotional aftermath can be overwhelming. Healing takes time, but with the right approach, you can move on and even come out stronger on the other side. Here are 15 tips to help you move on after a breakup:
1. Cut Off Contact
One of the most important steps in how to move on after a breakup is cutting off contact with your ex. It will be tempting to remain friends or check in on them but remember that maintaining communication often prolongs emotional pain and prevents you from healing properly.
Cutting ties means not texting, calling, or meeting up with them, at least until you have fully moved on. This distance allows you to focus on yourself, process your emotions, and begin the journey of self-discovery.
It might feel harsh or even impossible at first, especially if your ex was a significant part of your life. However, continuing communication can lead to confusion, false hope, and emotional dependency. You will always have to deal with the question of ‘what ifs‘ and I am sure that is the last thing that you need.
If necessary, inform your ex of your decision to go no-contact and explain that it is for your healing. If you share mutual friends or work together, put in place clear boundaries that will minimize interactions. The goal here is to create a space where you can heal without external emotional triggers.
2. Delete Old Messages And Pictures
The memories of a relationship can be painful, and keeping old messages, pictures, and gifts only serves as constant reminders of the past.
Going through old messages and pictures will cause you unnecessary emotional distress and will hinder your progress. Deleting them may feel like erasing a part of your past, but it is a very important step in letting go.
You should start by removing photos from your phone, social media, and any other place. If you find it difficult to delete them outrightly, consider transferring them to somewhere else until you can revisit them when you are emotionally stronger.
The same applies to messages, clear out old text conversations, emails, and chats to prevent yourself from rereading them during moments of your weakness.
3. Avoid Checking Their Social Media
The urge to see their social media will be strong; you want to see if they have moved on, you want to see if they have found someone else and this is clearly not one of the ways to get over a breakup.
Seeing your ex’s posts, updates, or new relationships will trigger negative emotions and keep you stuck in the past. The temptation to check their profiles, read their comments, or analyze their online activity can become an unhealthy habit that prolongs your healing process and may even advance to stalking.
To resist this urge, consider unfollowing, unfriending, or even blocking your ex on social media platforms. If that feels too extreme, you can use features like “mute” or “hide” to prevent their posts from appearing on your feed.
Additionally, avoid checking their profiles through mutual friends’ accounts, as this only fuels emotional distress. Make sure to redirect your online activity by engaging in positive content. Follow accounts that promote self-improvement, mental well-being, and personal growth.
Social media should be a tool for inspiration, not a source of emotional pain for you.
4. Stay Busy With Hobbies
One of the best tips for moving on after a breakup is to engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Picking up new hobbies or revisiting old ones can provide a much-needed distraction and help rebuild your identity outside of the relationship.
You should consider exploring creative outlets like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument. Physical activities such as hiking, dancing, or yoga can also boost your mood and improve your overall well-being.
If you’ve always wanted to learn a new skill, such as cooking, photography, or coding, now is the perfect time to invest in personal growth because you need somewhere to pump in all that energy.
5. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is a powerful tool for emotional healing. It releases endorphins, also known as “feel-good” hormones, which help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Engaging in regular workouts can significantly improve your mood and overall mental health during a breakup and this has been proven in many studies.
You should choose an exercise routine that fits your lifestyle and interests. Whether it’s running, swimming, weightlifting, or practicing martial arts, finding a physical activity you enjoy will make it easier to stay consistent.
Group fitness classes or outdoor activities like hiking can also provide some wonderful social interaction, which is beneficial for emotional well-being.
Don’t forget that beyond the physical benefits, exercise serves as a form of therapy. It allows you to channel negative emotions into something productive and helps rebuild self-confidence. Making fitness a priority will not only aid in your recovery but also contribute to your long-term health and happiness.
6. Spend Time With Supportive Friends And Family
Now is not the time to step away from your friends and family. After a breakup, surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people can make a significant difference in your healing journey.
Friends and family provide comfort, perspective, and emotional support when you need it most. Instead of isolating yourself, reach out to loved ones who uplift and encourage you.
Spending time with friends and family helps you deal with feelings of loneliness and provides a sense of belonging. Whether it’s having deep conversations, going on outings, or simply sharing laughter, social interactions remind you that you are not alone.
Being around people who care about you reinforces your self-worth and helps rebuild your confidence.
7. Journal Your Thoughts And Feelings
Journaling is a very therapeutic way to process emotions and gain clarity after a breakup.
Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences helps you understand your emotions and track your progress over time. It provides a safe space to express pain, anger, confusion, and hope without judgment. This is an exercise that I often recommend to my clients.
You should start by writing about your emotions each day, focusing on what you’re feeling and why. You can also use your journal to set personal goals, list those things you are grateful for, and document your journey toward healing. Reflecting on past writings allows you to see how far you’ve come and recognize personal growth.
Journaling can also help reframe negative thoughts. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, use your journal to identify lessons learned and opportunities for self-improvement. Over time, you’ll notice patterns in your emotions and develop a greater sense of self-awareness, making it easier to move forward.
8. Set New Personal Goals
Setting new personal goals is a great step in rebuilding your life after a breakup. When a relationship ends, it can feel like you’ve lost a part of your identity, especially if your plans and dreams were intertwined with your ex. Now is the time to shift your focus back to yourself and establish new ambitions.
You can start by identifying short-term and long-term goals. These could range from career aspirations, fitness milestones, financial targets, or your personal development objectives. Setting goals provides direction and motivation, helping you channel your energy into positive endeavors rather than dwelling on the past.
Moreover, focusing on personal growth will remind you that your happiness and success are not dependent on anyone else.
9. Change Up Your Routine
Breaking free from old habits and routines associated with your ex is very important in your healing process. If your daily schedule reminds you of your past relationship, making small changes can help you create a fresh start and prevent emotional setbacks.
Change the places you visit regularly, such as coffee shops, restaurants, or parks that you and your ex frequented. Introducing new experiences into your daily life helps in forming new associations.
A client of mine did this— she always went running with her partner in the mornings but when they broke up, she moved her schedule around and started running in the evening at a different place.
One of the ways to move on after a breakup is by engaging in activities that will challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s joining a new club, taking up a different hobby, or even rearranging your living space, these small adjustments can make a significant difference in your emotional recovery.
The goal is to click refresh on your life and create an environment that promotes personal well-being and independence.
10. Travel Or Explore New Places
Traveling is a powerful way to gain perspective and heal after a breakup. Visiting new places allows you to step away from familiar surroundings, giving you a chance to clear your mind and embrace new experiences. Traveling introduces you to new cultures, people, and opportunities for self-discovery.
If long-distance travel isn’t feasible, you should consider exploring new places within your city or region. Visit museums, nature trails, cafes, or historical sites that you’ve never been to before. The goal is to create new experiences that help you move forward.
11. Listen To Uplifting Music And Podcasts
Music and spoken words have a profound impact on emotions and can significantly alter your feelings which makes them powerful tools for healing after a breakup.
Create a playlist filled with empowering songs that inspire confidence and joy. Similarly, podcasts centered around personal development, healing, and self-improvement can provide valuable insights and encouragement during this time.
12. Practice Self-Care And Pampering
Self-care is an essential aspect of the healing process after a breakup. Taking the time to nurture your body and mind can significantly improve your emotional well-being. Self-care routines help you prioritize yourself, rebuild your confidence, and cultivate self-love.
Engage in activities that make you feel good, whether it’s indulging in a spa day, getting a new haircut, practicing skincare routines, or taking relaxing baths. Exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep also contribute to overall well-being, helping you feel stronger physically and emotionally.
The focus here is to treat yourself with kindness and compassion, reinforcing the idea that you deserve love and care, even from yourself.
Need self-care ideas? Here are some solo date ideas to pamper yourself.
13. Avoid Rebound Relationships
Jumping into a new relationship too soon after a breakup can be detrimental to your healing process.
A rebound relationship may seem like a quick fix to ease loneliness or validate your self-worth, but it often results in unresolved emotional baggage and further complications.
One of the things to do to get over a breakup is to take the time to heal before pursuing a new romantic connection. Reflect on the lessons learned from your past relationship and ensure you have fully processed your emotions. Rushing into another relationship without addressing underlying feelings can lead to repeated patterns and unhealthy dynamics.
14. Seek Therapy Or Counseling If Needed
Breakups can trigger intense emotions such as sadness, anxiety, or even depression. If you find yourself struggling to cope, seeking professional support can be incredibly beneficial.
Therapy provides a safe space to process your emotions, gain perspective, and develop coping strategies tailored to your needs. As a therapist, I have seen clients who have been able to move on beautifully just because they had that one session that put everything into clarity for them.
Remember that a therapist or counselor can help you deal with complex feelings, offer guidance on how to rebuild your life post-breakup, and teach you how to let go of that person you love.
If traditional therapy isn’t accessible, consider virtual therapy.
15. Trust That Time Will Heal
Healing from a breakup takes time, and while the pain may feel overwhelming in the beginning, it will gradually lessen with time.
It’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the healing process to unfold naturally. There is no set timeline for moving on—everyone heals at their own pace. With time, you learn how to forget that person and move on with your life.
To move on, start by acknowledging your emotions, but don’t let them define your future. Each day that passes is a step forward in your journey toward emotional recovery and personal growth.
Final Notes On Ways To Move On After A Breakup
How to move on after a breakup is about embracing change, learning from the past, and trusting the process. Remember, breakups are not the end—they are an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and transformation.
Moving on from a breakup is a process that requires patience, self-compassion, and intentional effort. Remember that each step you take toward healing brings you closer to a future where you feel whole, confident, and ready for new beginnings.
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