While breaking up is difficult, moving on from it can be tougher! The pain following a breakup may initially be unbearable and very real. But despite how difficult it is, and even after the worst breakup, life goes on. If you’re struggling with coming to terms with a breakup, follow these tips to move on.

How to move on after a relationship?

The main cause of people’s struggles with moving on is that they are unwilling to do it in the first place because they keep thinking about the painful memories. Although it is challenging, it’s definitely not impossible to move on. We’ll help you in turn the process into a more positive experience and move forward.

Health Shots spoke to Dr Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, to understand what you can do to motivate yourself after a break up.

Here are 7 tips to move on after a breakup, suggested by Dr Anand:

1. Let yourself grieve

Be real and face your pain. Dr Anand says, “Losing a person who may have been close to you can be very painful no matter what the circumstances. Each relationship goes through happy and sad times.” Processing your emotional state and accepting the turmoil is important to help to move on and start feeling better about yourself soon.

2. Don’t get into a new relationship

Don’t get tempted into jumping into a new relationship immediately. It seems very convenient to get into a new relationship without having to deal with the emotional baggage of the previous relationship. Take some time off for yourself and reevaluate your own needs. Cut off all communication both direct and indirect for the sake of your mental and physical health.

3. Follow a wellness routine

Post breakup, one might be swayed into eating comfort food or drinking alcohol or even stopping workouts, but these actually can cause more harm. Focus on your health and feel good about your body. This will give the confidence boost required.

4. Keep yourself fairly busy

Try to get a new hobby or get back to an older, forgotten hobby. Music helps soothe many souls. Try to learn how to play a musical instrument if possible. If in anguish then physical sports like kickboxing can help.

5. Talk what you’re feeling

Talk to family and close friends about how you are feeling. Try not distancing yourself from family or other close friends even though you fear being judged. You should be able to explain your point of view. Try to discuss more about feelings rather than the decisions made in the past. You can also write down your feelings. This process will liberate you to move on.

6. Practice self compassion

Learn to forgive yourself to help you move on. Be kind to yourself and don’t let anyone’s judgment affect your feelings. Always remind yourself that only you know the situation and no one else can decide about things being wrong or right.

7. Seek closure

Many people benefit from ending relationships on a more amicable note. Seeking closure helps to overcome unsolved questions. If your partner is avoiding questions, then assume that avoidance is the answer and come to conclusions on your own. Many people have this misconception that they will not be able to love again in the same manner or are fixated with the same person despite breaking up. Recognize that this person is not meant for you and that all relationships (new ones to come) have their own unique importance.