First of all this sucks, you're going to cry and it's gonna be hard and
even though these things may not fix how you're feeling right now I
promise it does at least make a difference. I wasn't sure I wanted to be doing a post about this but I was...inspired in a sense to share what I do to at least make myself feel a little better, especially on the really bad days. So let's get into it:1. Pamper yourself. Now I thought about putting cry down for number one but chances are you're going to do that anyway so I thought I'd skip that. I know it's tempting to sit on the couch and not shower for days on end and feel sorry for yourself, trust me I've wanted to do it myself. But the best thing really is to pamper yourself. Take a bubble bath if you can, if not then a hot shower. I like to use a body scrub and nice-smelling soaps then to top it off fancy lotions. It's really important to take care of your body, especially when you're feeling down. simple tasks like washing your face, brushing your teeth and showering on their own make a huge difference, so going the extra mile can make you feel that much better. Of course pampering yourself isn't limited to bathing, give yourself a pedicure or (if you have the money) book a massage.
2. Change your look. You don't have to cut your hair or get a crazy piercing to change your look. Consider painting your nails a color you wouldn't normally pick or getting some new clothes and fixing your hair differently. Even these small changes can make feel a little better and you don't have to dye your hair to do it...unless you want to and that's okay too. Remember hair grows back and piercings heal so if you decided you don't like it later you don't have to keep it.
3. Mind-numbing movies...or TV shows. Just because you shouldn't sit on the couch for days at a time doesn't mean you shouldn't watch some movies. Seriously chick flicks and mind-numbing TV shows are the way to go when your mind is running in circles...oh and it you can get your hands on a tub of ice cream it's even better...
4. Hang out with friends. You still have those you know. Chances are if you started spending less time with them or even pretty much stopped spending time with them to be with your significant other a good old fashioned apology will do the trick. At this point you probably mean it too since you realized you can't lose everyone in your life to be with one person. I figured that out the hard way when I went through my first break up. Just hanging out with some people you're close to can really brighten your mood. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, chances are they'll be up to talk about whatever you are. Just don't get mad or upset when someone asks what happened, they're just curious and want to help you.
5. Pack it up. I don't mean move, I mean put all those pictures in a box as well as everything else they gave you. You don't have to get rid of it just yet, just put it away. It's going to be easier to move on when you're not constantly reminded of them with things like stuffed animals and jewelry. You can decide what to do with it when you're ready. For now just put it all out of sight. This is actually something I learned from a teacher in high school after my very first break up. I'm also going to add that you change any passwords that may remind you of that person or other personal things your worried about. You can also put pictures on the computer on a cheap jump-drive and keep it in that box. Sometimes it's easier to put it away for later than to get rid of it. Personally I put the persons name on the box and the amount of time we dated, not sure why, it just makes me feel like it's the last thing to do so once I do that it's done.
6. Write a couple letters. One if for future you, the other is for your ex. Even if the letter never makes it to them, write it. Don't ask for them back just tell them what you need them to know. This will help give you closure. The letter to future you needs to remind you why when they ask for you back, you will say no. This one is more specifically for you to move on. You can't get stuck on this person. So write yourself a letter with all the things that used to bug you about them or why the relationship didn't work. If they ever ask for you back look at the letter and really ask yourself if this person could have really changed all that.
7. Throw yourself into something. With my first breakup that was school. I worked really hard in all my classes and brought up all my grades. However if you aren't in school then concentrate on your job or a hobby. You need to occupy your time with something productive, so NOT a rebound. Be yourself and do whatever makes you happy.
Alright that's all I've got so I hope I helped you out in some way. This doesn't make the pain go away but it might help you feel better. Unfortunately the only thing that heals a broken heart is time. One day you'll wake up and realize you don't love that person the same way anymore and that's okay. So until then just take it day by day because there is always a tomorrow and things are going to be just fine.
xoxo (from me to you)
Courtney
