Romantic breakups are among the most common events to happen in people’s lives and ironically because they are universal, the mental trauma it causes tends to be overlooked. The truth is that relationships are founded on intense emotions, and if it ends, there are a slew of different feelings such as sadness, rejection, anger and perhaps jealousy.
If left unchecked, the ordeal can leave physiological and psychological scarring.
Today, we’re going to discuss five ways to recover from a breakup healthily.
Take some quiet time to let your emotions out
Self-care is your priority; don’t feel that you’re selfish. Suppressing all of your emotions is not healthy and so let them out, don’t hold back! Find a private place where you feel comfortable and shout, cry, whatever you need to purge your emotions. It’s completely normal.
Sleep, eat and exercise
You may feel as if your life has completely turned upside down but sticking to your daily routine is crucial. Keep your usual sleeping and eating habits (make sure that you follow a healthy diet that consists of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.) As tempting as It may be, try not to binge on junk food.
Follow your exercise regime. If you don’t have one, it’s a good idea to ask a fitness professional to help you develop a program. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins (the feel-good hormone) which will help stabilize your feelings.
Meet new people (but don’t rush)
When you feel ready, go out and meet some new people because long-term isolation is harmful physically and psychologically. Perhaps, ask a friend to join you when meeting someone so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s also key to take it slow. A one-night stand is an impulsive decision, and you may forget to use contraception. This can lead to its own set of life-altering issues such as unintended pregnancy and/or STIs.
If you do fall pregnant and feel it’s in your best interest to terminate, ensure that you speak to an accredited clinic that specializes in safe abortions performed by a medical professional.
Confide in supportive family and friends
Ensure that you tell trusted family and friends how you’re feeling. They may have gone through a breakup themselves, so they can empathize with your emotions and offer advice on different coping methods.
Marie Stopes is here for you
Marie Stopes South Africa’s purpose is to safeguard and promote women’s sexual and reproductive healthcare. If you have unprotected sex, we recommended that you have a private consultation with a nurse and have a sexual health screening which includes HIV and STI testing. We also offer a Women’s Wellness service that offers a full health check-up.
We know this is an emotionally charged issue but remember that you’re not alone; we’re here for you because we want you to have the best life possible. Please schedule an appointment at your nearest center for more information.
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