One of the hardest parts of being in your 20s is learning how to maintain and recover from intimate relationships. Breaking up can be a long, complicated process, but getting over it is definitely possible. Don’t resort to Facebook stalking or drowning yourself in alcohol. Instead, follow these general guidelines, and you’ll be back to feeling great in no time.
First:
After the initial sting of breaking up subsides, you must do the absolute, most important thing. You must unfollow them. This goes for Instagram, Twitter, and especially Snapchat. You can stay friends with them on Facebook, as long as you promise not to stalk them on a daily basis. The most difficult part of breaking up with someone is having to see their face everywhere whenever you open an app. Trust me, you will thank yourself later.
Second:
They say, “The best way to get over someone….is to get under someone else.” That’s right ladies; I know its cliché, but it’s cliché for a reason—it works… most of the time. Get your mind off the dude that dumped you or did you wrong and get to kissin’ someone way cuter and funnier and…cuter. If you’re not comfortable for this step, as it’s not for everyone, eating your favorite flavor of ice cream reaps the same benefits.
Third:
Eat French fries from every restaurant within 20 miles. French fries are so good. Everyone has a comfort food so go grab yours and eat it. You deserve it.
Fourth:
Go to the gym! Better yet, try out some classes if they’re available. Try a spinning class or take a whack at kickboxing. I even found myself going to a few Zumba classes. Switching up your routine will get you more excited to work out, and in turn, make you feel so much better and stronger. Plus, working out is a great stress reliever. Nothing helps you get the anger out like punching something and working up a sweat.
Fifth:
If you’re getting out of a relationship, you’re going to find yourself with a lot more free time. Use this time to get back into your routine and to spend more time on your academics and other responsibilities. Keeping yourself busy always works in keeping your mind off of things. When you have no other time to think about anything else, your mind won’t wander where it shouldn’t be. Most importantly, use this time to get to know yourself again.
Sixth:
Whether it was your fault or theirs, practice forgiveness. Holding onto anger and guilt is no way to getting over a bad situation. Don’t get me wrong, letting your true feelings be known to your BFFs for a while is fine, but then, you have to get over it.
Seventh:
Arguably the toughest advice…Do not contact them. After you’ve gotten closure, or even something close to it, contact is a slippery slope that might leave you back where you started.
Eighth:
The thing I do when nothing else is working? I change my room around. Feng shui is the ancient Chinese system of placement and energy. Its goal is to harmonize one with the environment. This practice is known to improve sleep, stress levels, and relationship quality. Even if you know nothing about feng shui, just moving your stuff around in whatever arrangement will make you feel like you have a fresh start.
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