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Take care of yourself. Get enough rest, eat well, and keep yourself physically active. If you don't already exercise regularly, this is a good time to start. Exercise boosts self-esteem and helps to combat depression and anxiety.
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Live a little. Redecorate your place, cook your favorite meals, take a trip. Find small ways to reward yourself for getting through each day. Be careful, though, because it's easy to take this one too far. Maxing out your credit cards, drowning in martinis, or recklessly sleeping around may seem like damn good ideas right now, but they're obstacles on your road to recovery -- and they'll only intensify your problems.
- Keep yourself busy. Maybe all you feel like doing is watching Brady Bunch marathons in your PJs. But devoting all your energy to feeling sorry for yourself will only make things worse. Hang out with people who care about you and can offer support. Try a new hobby or start a project you've been putting off. Whatever you do, don't hide at home because you've decided that you're a total loser who's unworthy of love.
Even though they're trying to deal with it, some people find that recovering from a breakup is more than they can handle alone.
"The most significant sign that professional help may be needed is when someone appears 'stuck' in the grieving process," says Molotsky. "Prolonged anger or depression could be a cause for concern."
"Another consideration, however, is to approach a therapist sooner if there is some pattern involved in the breakup," says Jacques Barber, Ph.D., of the Center of Psychotherapy Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa. For example, this is the fifth relationship that's ending in the same manner. By approaching a professional, there is the increased possibility that something important might be learned about the way the person chooses, creates and maintains relationships. If you re recovering from a breakup, take this time to focus on yourself. Seek the support you need right now. Know that it s cool to be alone for a while. As time passes, try to put things in perspective and learn from the experience. Trying to learn from the painful experience might also help to develop better relationships in the future, Dr. Barber adds.
