Going through a breakup can be tough, but it can also be an opportunity to focus on yourself and grow in new ways.
Instead of dwelling on the past, it’s important to shift your energy towards healing and self-care. Whether it’s rediscovering your passions, improving your mental and physical well-being, or simply learning to enjoy your own company, there are plenty of steps you can take to feel happier and healthier.
In this blog post, we’ll cover 20 practical things you can do after a breakup to help you move forward, regain your confidence, and embrace the next chapter of your life.
20 Things To Do After A Breakup To Become A Happier And Healthier You
These things to do after a breakup will help you move forward and make lemonade out of your lemons, so be sure to implement them all.
1. Allow Yourself To Grieve
The first step in moving forward is acknowledging and accepting your feelings. After a breakup, it’s important to allow yourself to grieve the loss of the relationship.
Breakups often bring a mix of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, and relief. Bottling up your emotions and denying what you feel can lead to prolonged pain and, at times, toxicity, whereas facing them head-on helps you process the breakup and heal.
Whether it’s crying, shouting from the top of a mountain, talking to a trusted friend, or writing in a journal, give yourself permission to feel. Remember, grief is not a straight road, and there will be good and bad days. What matters most is allowing yourself to grieve and letting the healing begin.
2. Focus On Self-Care
After a breakup, self-care is not just a luxury but a necessity. It’s easy to neglect your well-being when dealing with heartache, but taking care of your physical and emotional health is essential.
I have once been heartbroken and looking at throwback pictures reminded me how much I was in a bad place.
You should start with small, nurturing activities: take long baths, eat delicious and nutritious meals, and ensure you’re getting enough sleep. Pamper yourself with things that bring you comfort and make you happy like reading a favorite book or watching a favorite movie.
Don’t forget, that self-care also involves setting boundaries and saying NO to anything that drains your energy. By prioritizing your well-being, you remind yourself that you are worth the effort and love.
3. Reconnect With Friends And Family
Breakups can sometimes leave you feeling isolated, especially if you were in a relationship that distanced you from your loved ones. This is the perfect time to find and lean on your support system. Reconnecting with friends and family will remind you of the love in your life outside of the relationship.
Make sure to reach out to close friends for a coffee date or spend a weekend with your family. Surrounding yourself with people who care about you provides emotional support and helps distract you from negative thoughts.
4. Exercise Regularly
One of the best things you should do immediately after a breakup is to prioritize your physical health through exercise. Research shows that physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that help reduce stress and improve your outlook on life.
Whether it’s yoga, running, dancing, or going to the gym, choose an activity you enjoy and can commit to consistently. Exercise can also serve as a form of meditation, giving you the opportunity to channel your anger into something productive.
As you focus on building a stronger, healthier body, you’ll also notice improvements in your confidence and self-esteem.
5. Pursue A New Hobby
Engaging in a new hobby can be a great way to shift your focus from the past to the present and from hurtful experiences to healing ones. One of the most empowering things you can do after a breakup is to explore hobbies you’ve neglected or always wanted to try.
You should consider learning a new skill, like painting, playing an instrument, or gardening. Exploring these creative interests not only keeps your mind occupied but also gives you a sense of accomplishment.
6. Declutter Your Space
Even when not in the context of breakups, decluttering your space is one way to make yourself feel better.
Decluttering your environment can be both a symbolic and practical way to let go of the past. One of the most important things to do after a breakup is to start by removing items that remind you of your ex, such as photos or gifts.
By making the space feel like yours again, you are on your way to healing. You can take it a step further by organizing your home, clearing out old clothes, and rearranging your furniture. A clean space often refreshes you and helps you feel in control.
The process of decluttering helps you regain control and gives you a sense of clarity, making room for new beginnings.
7. Set Personal Goals
One of the most effective things to do after a breakup is to look ahead and set new personal goals. Whether it’s advancing in your career, improving your fitness, or saving for a dream trip, having something to work toward gives you purpose and direction. In more ways than you can think of, it gives you the drive to do great things.
To better achieve your goals, break your goals into manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. By focusing on your aspirations, you shift your energy from dwelling on the breakup to building a brighter future.
Setting and achieving goals is a reminder of your capabilities and will give you that sense of progress, control, and accomplishment.
8. Read Self-Help Or Inspirational Books
Books have the power to provide perspective and comfort during tough times. Self-help or inspirational books offer guidance, coping strategies, and motivation to navigate life after a breakup.
Reading allows you to connect with others without meeting them and gain a better understanding of your own journey. As you absorb these words of wisdom, you’ll feel less alone and more equipped to embrace your healing process.
9. Practice Gratitude
Focusing on gratitude is a game-changer for your mindset after a breakup. It’s natural to dwell on what you have lost but shifting your attention to what remains will help you heal.
You can start a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re thankful for each day, no matter how small. Gratitude helps you see your experiences in a new light and appreciate the good in your life.
10. Explore Nature
When heartache feels too much, connecting with the natural world is also a nice option.
One of the best healthy breakup tips is to spend time outdoors. Whether you are hiking through a forest, walking along a beach, or simply sitting in a park, it doesn’t matter. The fresh air and beauty of nature will soothe your mind and provide clarity.
11. Invest In Your Career Or Education
Breakups will often leave you with extra time and energy that can be redirected toward personal growth. One of the best things to do after a breakup to feel better is to invest in your career or pursue educational opportunities.
This could mean taking a professional certification course, learning a new skill, or tackling a work project with renewed focus. Redirecting your energy toward growth will help rebuild your sense of purpose and set the stage for future success.
12. Travel Or Take A Mini Getaway
Traveling always provides a change of scenery and perspective, which is especially helpful during times of emotional transition.
As a marriage counselor, one of the preferred modes of healing that my clients take is traveling. Plan a trip to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, even if it’s just a weekend getaway.
Exploring new destinations allows you to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in fresh experiences.
13. Volunteer For A Cause
Giving back to your community is one of the most fulfilling things you can do after a breakup.
Volunteering shifts your focus from inward to outward, helping you move on from that person. It also helps you connect with others and find purpose in making a difference.
Whether you’re helping at a local food bank, mentoring young people, or caring for animals at a shelter, acts of kindness like these have the power to heal you in more ways than you can imagine.
Supporting others not only brings joy to their lives but also reminds you of your sense of value and how wonderful you are.
14. Journal Your Thoughts And Emotions
Writing is a powerful way to process emotions. Keep a journal to document your thoughts, feelings, and progress as you navigate life after a breakup.
Journaling allows you to release pent-up emotions, gain clarity, and reflect on your personal growth. You might also discover patterns or insights that can inform your approach to future relationships. Additionally, you could even start a blog or newsletter.
15. Seek Professional Counseling Or Therapy
Breakups will always stir up deep-seated emotions, sometimes requiring a therapist to help work through them.
Therapy offers a safe space for you to process your feelings, understand your relationship dynamics, and develop strategies to move forward. A therapist will help you explore unresolved issues, rebuild your confidence, and even identify mindsets that might destroy your relationship.
Seeking help is a sign of strength and wisdom, demonstrating your commitment to becoming the best version of yourself.
16. Rediscover Your Passions
Breakups often serve as a reminder to reconnect with what makes you uniquely you. One of the best things to do to get over a breakup is to go back into activities you love or explore new interests.
Whether it’s painting, playing music, or learning a new sport, reigniting your passions creates a sense of independence and joy which brings back the glow on your face. Doing this will teach you how to let go of that person.
Rediscovering yourself through your interests reminds you of the vibrant person you are, beyond your failed relationship.
17. Surround Yourself With Positive Influences
The people you surround yourself with affect your healing journey. You should make sure to seek out friends, family, or communities that inspire and uplift you. Avoid individuals who dwell on negativity or encourage unhealthy behaviors. These can be friends who mock you or even your parents.
Positive influences remind you of your worth and provide a supportive environment as you move forward. Joining a new social group or club can also help you build fresh connections and find peace.
18. Limit Contact With Your Ex
One of the most challenging but necessary things to do after a breakup is to set boundaries with your ex. While it may be tempting to stay in touch, you are not going to heal with that. Limiting contact is essential for emotional recovery.
A more aggressive approach that I usually suggest to my clients is to delete their contacts and block them on all socials. Constant communication will reopen wounds and hinder your ability to move on. Unfollow or mute them on social media if needed, and focus on creating a distance that allows you to heal.
Protecting your mental and emotional space is key to regaining independence and clarity.
19. Experiment With A New Look Or Style
Have you ever watched those movies where someone going through a breakup is dragged to a salon, spa, or store? Somehow, after spending time in all these places, the person comes out looking beautiful and glowing.
Changing your hairstyle, revamping your wardrobe, or experimenting with makeup can symbolize a fresh start. This is one of the most uplifting things to do after a breakup, as it allows you to reclaim your identity and boost your confidence.
These changes aren’t just about appearance—they’re about embracing the new version of yourself and stepping into the next chapter of your life with renewed energy.
20. Celebrate Small Wins And Milestones
There are breakups that are difficult to heal from, so healing little by little is a cause for celebration.
Healing after a breakup is a gradual process, and celebrating small victories can keep you motivated. Did you make it through the day without thinking about your ex? Celebrate it. Did you achieve a personal goal or take a step toward self-improvement? Acknowledge it.
By focusing on your progress, you remind yourself that you are progressing. These small wins add up, showing that each step forward brings you closer to happiness.
Final Note On Things To Do After A Breakup
Breakups may feel like painful endings, but they are also opportunities for new beginnings. By applying these things to do after a breakup, you can transform pain into growth and discover a renewed sense of purpose.
Healing takes time, but with patience, self-care, and the right mindset, you’ll come out of this situation stronger. Remember, every step you take toward self-improvement is a step closer to a brighter future.
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