Don’t beat yourself up
Don’t be too hard on yourself when you’re getting over a breakup, advises Dr Guy Winch. “Remember that your ego and self-esteem are already hurting – don’t make it worse,” says Winch. “Be as compassionate toward yourself as you would be to a friend whose heart had just been broken,” he says. If you are struggling to move on, or wish for some outside clarity from someone who doesn’t know your ex, consider talking with a therapist.
Don’t stay home
It’s so easy to wallow in self-pity and check your phone every 30 seconds hoping your ex will text, begging to start fresh. However, many experts believe keeping yourself busy is a great way to get over a breakup. “Find at least two, and up to five, things that you can do every single day for yourself that make you feel great, and that help you fill your time,” says dating expert, Bonny Albo. “Keeping busy, even if it is a bit cliché, does help, and soon enough you’ll have so many new things going on that you truly love and are passionate about, you won’t even have time to think about your ex.”
Don’t lose sight of who you are as an individual
Embrace your ‘me’ time, and cultivate your interests as an individual, as you gradually move on from the relationship. “After you regroup from the loss, have fun in your singleness and learn to establish yourself without the relationship. Take a class to enhance yourself as a person,” says Dr Felicia Pressley. “Now’s the time to learn a new language, join a swim club, or cook – solo.” Perhaps you’ll meet a new friend or a love interest in your yoga, cooking, or kickboxing class!