Engy Elghannam 
Going through a breakup can be a very harsh and overwhelming experience, but it's important to remember that you are not alone. With time, effort, and a little bit of self-care, you can begin to heal and move forward. One of the most important things you can do is take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Lean on your support system, whether it's your friends, family, or a therapist. Also, use this as an opportunity to set new goals for yourself and focus on personal growth. Scroll on to explore some practical tips on how to manage your life after a recent breakup and start the healing process.
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Let's take a look at how to manage life after a recent breakup
1- Allow the mixed feelings
It's normal to have a variety of emotions after a breakup, such as sadness, resentment, jealousy, regret, and even relief. It's important to accept and experience these emotions without criticizing yourself since they are a natural part of the grieving process. Trying to ignore your emotions can sometimes cause them to intensify or catch you off guard later on. Just remember that these emotions will eventually lessen in intensity or disappear altogether as time passes. Even though you may be hurting right now, it's essential to keep in mind that this pain is not permanent.
2- Set healthy boundaries
Establishing healthy boundaries is very beneficial for managing the emotional and mental impact of a breakup. Here are some ways to set boundaries during this challenging time:
Details: You are not obligated to discuss the details of your relationship or breakup with others. You can let your friends and family know in an appropriate way if you are uncomfortable sharing.
Time for mourning: It's natural to think about your ex and wonder how they're doing, but it's important to set boundaries around checking up on them. Schedule a specific time to check their social media or texts, and allow yourself to feel sad for a short period of time. When the time is up, focus on other activities. Gradually reduce the amount of time you spend checking on them.
Just friends: If you want to remain friends with your ex, it's important to set physical and emotional boundaries to ensure that the relationship stays platonic. Frankly speaking, it's best to take a break from communicating or spending time with your ex after a breakup. Set boundaries by agreeing to a 'no-contact' period to allow both of you to heal.
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3- Re-connect with the people in your life
Take a step towards warmth and healing by reaching out to those closest to you after a breakup. Make plans for a lunch or dinner with a close friend and have a heart-to-heart conversation about how you’re really doing, and show interest in how they’re doing too. Share your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly. You could also communicate with a family member, like a parent or sibling, about what you need right now. Reconnecting with yourself is also important during this time. Reflect on the things that make you grateful and happy in life, the hobbies that bring you joy, and the person you aspire to be. Jot these down and feel inspired by them every day.
4- Engage in self-care activities
Taking care of yourself is crucial, especially when going through a breakup. It may seem like a daunting task when you're feeling down, but it's important to prioritize your basic needs. Start writing in a journal; this can help you sort through your thoughts and feelings and reflect on both the good and the bad of your day. Take a shower and use the time to relax, dance, sing, cry, or simply enjoy the warmth. Listen to your body's cues and eat regular meals or snacks throughout the day, even if grief has affected your appetite. Try to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Getting some fresh air and exercise can be very beneficial, so take a walk around your neighborhood, go window shopping, or visit a local park that you love. Miley Cyrus was completely right when she said, " I can buy myself flowers; I can take myself dancing." This is true; you should do this and love yourself better than anyone else can.
5- Take some time for self-reflection
When you feel ready, it's beneficial to reflect on your past relationship with your ex. By doing so, you can identify positive aspects, learn more about yourself, and find healthier ways to progress in the future. So, asking yourself these questions can totally aid you in the process of reflecting.
Think about the person you were when you first got into the relationship and compare it to who you are now
- Have you changed or grown as a person during your relationship? If yes, how? If not, why not?
- How do you handle conflicts in your relationship, and what have you learned from them?
- Have you gotten better at communicating with your partner?
- Have you discovered what makes you feel loved in a relationship?
- Have you developed any positive habits during the relationship that you want to continue in your life?
Be aware of the non-negotiables; it can help you understand what you're willing to give up and what you're not
What are the things that are most important to you in a relationship and that you're not willing to compromise on?
Did you find any deal-breakers in your last relationship that you didn't expect?
Did you discover things that you would like to keep in future relationships?
Rather than dwelling on past mistakes, use this as an opportunity to learn from them and consider how you can approach similar situations differently in the future.
Are there things you said or did that you regret?
Is there a situation that you wish you had handled differently?
6- Reach out for support
After a breakup, it's important to remember that you don't have to go through it alone. Seeking out support from friends and family is very important; however, sometimes you may need extra support, and you can find many options as there are numerous online support groups and forums where you can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This can make a big difference in your healing process. Don't hesitate to seek out the support you need to navigate through this challenging time.
Remember, you have the strength and resilience to create a fulfilling life for yourself, even in the aftermath of a breakup.
