Whether you ended things with your partner or they did, a relationship breakup can be painful and devastating.
The memories keep flooding back and you wonder if you’ll ever feel normal again.
But here’s the good news: you will move on and find happiness once more.
It may not seem that way now when the pain is still fresh, but take it from someone who has been there – you will be okay.
The key is not to rush the process. Moving on from a relationship takes time.
However, there are some things you can do to help yourself heal and shift your mindset to a place where you’re ready to move on.
One of the most effective ways to move on from a relationship is to cease all communication with your ex and get rid of gifts or belongings that remind you of them.
This article will walk you through practical steps to help you start letting go of the past and open yourself up to new beginnings.
HOW TO MOVE ON FROM A RELATIONSHIP
Moving on from a relationship can be challenging and it’s normal to experience a range of emotions after a breakup, including sadness, anger, and confusion.
However, it’s important not to let these feelings consume you and prevent you from moving on.
If you’re struggling to get over your ex, here are a few tips on how to move on from a relationship quickly.
1. Cut Off Contact With Your Ex
To move on from a relationship, the first thing you need to do is cut off contact with your ex.
Delete their number, unfollow them on social media, and avoid places you know they frequent.
Since out of sight is out of mind, it’s best if you don’t see or hear from your ex from now onwards.
Block them on all platforms so you’re not tempted to stalk them online. The less you know about their life without you, the better.
Let mutual friends know you need space. Ask them not to update you on your ex’s whereabouts or new relationships to enable you to focus on yourself at this time.
It will be hard at first, but each day of no contact gets easier. Stay busy with hobbies, meaningful activities, and supportive friends and family.
In time, the urge to reach out will fade, and you’ll start to forget why you ever needed your ex in your life in the first place.
2. Get Rid Of Any Emotional Triggers
Another important step in moving on from a breakup is to remove everything that reminds you of your former partner.
Go through your space and get rid of physical reminders such as gifts, photos, old love letters, and anything that triggers memories.
Donate or throw away items that stir up memories of the relationship as this will allow you to stop thinking about your ex.
You may also want to avoid places you frequented as a couple for a while.
Take a break from that favorite date night restaurant or park where you walked together and make new memories to replace the old ones.
While it’s hard to forget an ex, try to maintain an optimistic outlook.
Your relationship ended for a reason, and now you have the opportunity to work on yourself and pursue new life goals.
You will definitely start to feel better after some time and may even be open to finding someone more suitable for you.
3. Reflect On The Relationship
To truly heal your broken heart and move forward with your life, you need to reflect on the relationship, process your feelings, and learn from your mistakes.
Think about the issues you had, arguments you frequently got into, and the reasons why you broke up.
This will help you realize that the relationship wasn’t meant to be after all.
While it’s important to recognize the problems, also remember the joyful moments you shared.
Be grateful for the good memories you created together. Appreciating the happy times will help you move on without regret or resentment.
Look at the things you could have done better as a partner and make a commitment to avoid repeating the same mistakes in future relationships.
If needed, have one final conversation with your ex to tie up loose ends, return belongings, and get closure.
Use this opportunity to express how you feel without anger or accusations and try to end the chat on a positive note, wishing them the best. This can provide the closure you need to move on.
Reflecting on your past relationships, both good and bad, and learning from your experiences will help you process your feelings in a healthy way.
While it may be difficult, it will give you the clarity and closure you need to embrace this new chapter of your life.
4. Set Aside Time To Grieve Your Loss
A great way to move on from a failed relationship is to allow yourself to feel your emotions.
This can be painful and uncomfortable, but it’s important to acknowledge and validate your feelings.
Whether you’re feeling angry, sad, or confused, it’s important to give yourself permission to feel and express your emotions safely and healthily.
Instead of pushing down your feelings and pretending like everything is okay, allow yourself time to process the end of your relationship.
Whether you want to scream out loud, smash objects against a wall, or cry into a pillow, find a private place to release all the pent-up emotions in your body, so you can begin to heal your broken heart.
Here are other things you can do during the grieving process:
• Write a letter to yourself or your ex: Expressing your feelings can be a therapeutic way to release any suppressed emotions.
• Look through old photos or messages: This can help provide closure and give you a chance to say a proper goodbye.
• Journal your feelings: Write down your thoughts, memories, and emotions. Let it all out onto the blank pages of a notebook.
• Talk to others: Call a friend or family member and share stories. Let them comfort you and offer their support at this difficult time.
• Do something creative: Make a photo slideshow or video, put together a scrapbook, or write a poem or song to express your grief constructively.
• Seek the help of a therapist or counselor to work through any unresolved emotions or issues.
While it may not be easy, grieving the end of your relationship is necessary to move on.
Carve out time to be sad about your loss – your heart and mind will thank you for it.
With time, the pain will lessen, and you will start to heal, so try to be patient with yourself during this process.
Moving on from a relationship takes time. But by allowing yourself to fully grieve, you are taking the first step towards a fresh start.
5. Forgive Yourself And Your Ex
One of the most important steps to accepting the end of a relationship is to forgive yourself and your ex.
It’s easy to blame yourself or your ex for the breakup, but you need to realize that it takes two people to make a relationship work.
Forgiving yourself means letting go of any guilt or shame you may be feeling about the relationship ending.
Remember that you did the best you could at the time, and it’s okay to make mistakes.
Forgiving your ex means letting go of any anger or resentment you may be feeling toward them.
Holding onto these negative emotions will only prolong your healing process and prevent you from moving on.
Remember that forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or accepting your ex back, but rather choosing to let go of the negative feelings associated with the breakup.
By letting go of unpleasant emotions, you will be one step closer to accepting the end of the relationship and moving on.
6. Pick Up A New Routine Or A Hobby
When you’re trying to move on from a relationship, it’s important to keep yourself busy with meaningful hobbies and activities such as gardening, cooking, or woodworking.
Picking up a new routine or hobby is a great way to establish a fresh start and shift your mind from the past.
Diving into a new interest or developing a skill also gives you a sense of purpose and helps build confidence in your accomplishments.
Here are a few things you can try to distract your mind after a breakup:
• Watch video tutorials or take a class on something you’ve always wanted to learn like cooking, photography, or a new language.
• Go for walks or jogs, do yoga, get into a sport you enjoy – anything to get your body moving. Even just 30 minutes a few times a week can help you feel better.
• Try a different coffee shop for your morning brew or a new route to work.
• Listen to different music or podcasts that grab your attention and pique your interest.
• Read books in a genre you don’t normally pick up and explore different ideas such as spirituality or metaphysics.
Altering small details in your daily routine can help you avoid reminders of the past and create new habits.
Don’t be hesitant to make big or small changes in your regular routine and try new activities to allow you to rediscover yourself.
7. Surround Yourself With Supportive Friends And Family
Surrounding yourself with people who love and support you can help lift your spirits during a difficult time.
Even though it’s tempting to isolate yourself and wallow in self-pity, make an effort to socialize and participate in fun activities.
Staying connected to others will speed your recovery and getting your feelings out in the open can help you work through them.
Here are some excellent ways to seek support from the special people in your life when you’re struggling with a breakup:
• Call on close friends and family members who will listen without judgment and offer comfort.
• Ask a friend if they want to grab coffee or dinner and talk about how you’re feeling.
• Plan a fun night out with friends to take your mind off the pain, even if just for a few hours.
• Talk to a parent, sibling, or mentor figure who has been through similar experiences and ask for guidance in navigating this difficult phase of your life.
8. Practice Regular Self-Care
To truly move on after a relationship breakup, you need to make self-care a priority.
Practicing self-care may seem difficult when you’re going through a breakup, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to heal.
Engaging in enjoyable activities releases dopamine that lifts your mood and motivation. You deserve to do things that make you happy.
Instead of lying in bed all day and listening to sad love songs, go outside and get some fresh air.
Exercise releases endorphins that improve your mood and act as natural painkillers.
It’s also important to eat healthy at this time to boost your immune system and improve your self-confidence.
Focus on whole foods like fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit excess sugar, alcohol, and caffeine.
Your physical health impacts your mental health, so give your body the fuel it needs.
Do some deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety in your body, and increase feelings of calm and wellbeing.
Remember to get at least 7 to 9 hours of rest per night because lack of sleep worsens negative emotions and makes problems seem bigger than they are.
When you get enough sleep every day, you’ll be in a better position to think more clearly and rationally.
Don’t forget to make time for hobbies, art, music, sports, gaming, or whatever you love to do during your leisure.
9. Change Your Location If You Can
Sometimes the memories in a place can be too painful to overcome.
If being in the same location with your ex is making it difficult to move on, it may help to change your scenery.
Consider moving to a new home or apartment if you can afford it. A new space without reminders of your ex can help you gain a fresh perspective.
Packing up and settling into a different place gives you a chance to start over and focus solely on yourself.
Look for an affordable place in a neighborhood you’ve always wanted to live in and move there.
Once moved in, decorate your new place to reflect your own style and personality. Make it your own safe haven where you feel comfortable and at peace.
While moving isn’t realistic or possible for everyone, even small changes to your living space can help.
Try rearranging your furniture, repainting your walls, or doing some deep cleaning to give your home a new look.
Changing your surroundings, no matter how small, signals that it’s time for a fresh start and can do wonders for your mental state after a breakup.
While the memories may still sting, they will hold less power over you in a spot where you’re building new memories of your own.
Conclusion
Moving on from a relationship won’t happen overnight.
But, if you focus on self-care, surround yourself with your support network, pick up a hobby, and maintain a positive mindset, you’ll get there.
Though it may not seem like it now, this painful time will pass, and you will heal and find happiness again.
The pain is only temporary, even if it doesn’t feel that way at the moment.
Stay focused on self-care, keep busy, and look forward to brighter days ahead – your heart will heal, and you will surely move on.
Each day will get a little easier until one day you realize you’ve moved on and are ready to find love again.
When it gets too hard to cope, remember to call a friend or family member, join an online community, or consider seeing a counselor.
Talking to others who have been through similar experiences can help you feel less alone and get advice for coping with your feelings.
Recommended Reading:
10 Things You Should Never Do After A Breakup
How To Get Over A Breakup Fast And Move On