Whether your relationship lasted six months or three years, the stress after a break up can be tough. It can leave you feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. This is completely normal and it’s important to be patient with yourself during the breakup recovery process. It is not uncommon to feel anxious after a breakup. Many people worry about their choices and what the future holds. Will there ever be another love?
What if I feel like this forever?”, “Will I ever be able to forget him/her?” These types of thoughts are perfectly natural. And it sure will cross your mind. And although it’s also natural to seek immediate relief from distressing thoughts and feelings, this is actually a good time for introspection and self-reflection. Not taking any immediate action might later affect your health adversely.
In the meantime, there are plenty of mindfulness skills which go hand-in-hand with managing social anxiety and which can help you manage your breakup.
- Be mindful of your experience- Be aware of how your body is reacting to the stress and pain of the breakup and how your anxious inner-monologue is performing. You’ll notice the triggers which lead to feeling out of control and also catch all of those judgemental thoughts before you start to believe them.
- Would and could – not should- Whether the breakup was down to you or your partner, you must acknowledge the real feelings that you experienced – whether that’s anger, hurt or betrayal. Don’t dwell on what should have happened – acknowledge the emotions and the mistakes, and ask yourself how you could have done things differently.
- Let go of who you were- Change is always tough to deal with, and loss doubly so. By focusing on who you are now and finding the potential and the truth in what you find special, you’ll go a long way to banishing those cravings for the past.
- Find help with others’ experiences- Although a large part of dealing with grief is to find your own peace, there are plenty of others out there who understand your emotions. Whether it’s an online group, friends and family or a counselling session, being able to voice your emotions and hear how others deal with a breakup can be extremely beneficial.
Relationships are an integral part of who we are both as individuals and as a race – I hope you’ve gained some help or insights from our blogs on this subject.