7 habits of people who rebuild themselves after being emotionally broken

When life knocks you down, it feels like you’re shattered into a million pieces. If you’ve been emotionally broken, you know how hard it is to pick yourself up.

But some people seem to have a knack for it. They gather those pieces, glue them back together, and emerge even stronger than before. It’s like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

What’s their secret? They all share 7 distinct habits that help them rebuild after emotional heartbreak.

This isn’t some fairytale or an overnight solution. It’s real-life wisdom from people who’ve been there, done that, and come out the other side. Let’s delve into their world and see what we can learn.

1) Embrace the pain

Pain is terrifying. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s something most of us shy away from.

But those who rebuild after being emotionally broken, they don’t run. They sit with their pain, they acknowledge it, and they let it wash over them.

Why? Because they understand that pain isn’t just an emotion – it’s a messenger. It’s telling them something’s wrong, something needs to change.

And by listening to this message, they’re able to identify what needs to be healed.

It’s not easy. Far from it. But by embracing the pain instead of avoiding it, they’re able to start the healing process.

This is their first step towards rebuilding themselves. It’s not about ignoring the hurt or pretending it doesn’t exist. It’s about confronting it head-on, learning from it, and using that knowledge to grow stronger.

In other words, they turn their pain into power. Now that’s resilience at its finest.

2) Self-love isn’t a luxury

I remember a time when I was emotionally broken, feeling like I was stuck in a pit of despair. The self-loathing and self-pity were overwhelming.

But then, I realized something crucial: I was giving all my love and energy to others while leaving none for myself. I was neglecting the one person who needed my love the most: me.

So, I started investing in myself. It was awkward at first, like learning to walk again. But day by day, things got better.

I started with small acts of self-love. A hot bath after a long day. A favorite meal cooked just for me. A quiet evening with a good book.

Soon, these small acts evolved into bigger ones. I started setting boundaries, saying no when something didn’t serve me, and prioritizing my needs.

And you know what? It worked.

Self-love brought me back from the brink. It made me realize my worth and helped me rebuild my shattered self.

3) Mindfulness is the key

Imagine a world where you could look at your thoughts and emotions objectively, like a scientist observing an experiment. Wouldn’t that be something?

Well, that’s exactly what mindfulness does.

Practicing mindfulness allows you to create a space between your emotional responses and your actions, giving you the chance to react more thoughtfully to life’s challenges.

In fact, studies conducted by Harvard Medical School have linked mindfulness with a reduction in anxiety and depression, and an increase in overall life satisfaction.

People who rebuild themselves after being emotionally broken often use mindfulness as a tool. They observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, understanding that they are not defined by these transient experiences.

This practice helps them develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence, two critical skills for rebuilding oneself from the ashes of emotional heartbreak.

In essence, mindfulness is their secret weapon in their journey from emotional turmoil to inner peace.

4) Seeking help is a strength

There’s a common misconception that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But let me tell you, that’s far from the truth. In fact, reaching out to others when you’re emotionally broken shows immense strength and courage.

For those who rebuild themselves after emotional heartbreak, they understand this fact and aren’t afraid to lean on their support system.

They open up to friends, family, or even professional therapists. They’re not ashamed to admit that they’re hurting and need support.

You see, we humans are social beings by nature. We thrive on connection and interaction. When we’re down in the dumps, it’s those connections that often provide the lifeline we need to start climbing back up.

So remember, seeking help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re strong enough to admit that you can’t do everything on your own. And that’s a strength worth celebrating.

5) Embracing change

In my life, I’ve learned that change is the only constant. Things never stay the same – and that’s okay.

When I was emotionally broken, it felt like my world had stopped spinning. The future I had imagined was no longer possible, and that was a tough pill to swallow.

But eventually, I realized that this change, as painful as it was, also offered an opportunity for growth. It forced me to look at myself and my life with fresh eyes.

I started to view change not as a threat but as a chance to rebuild myself. I embraced it, let it mould me, and used it as a stepping stone towards a better version of myself.

People who rebuild themselves after being emotionally broken often share this ability to embrace change. They understand that while change can be scary, it can also be empowering. It’s a chance to let go of what’s not working and build something better in its place.

Change isn’t easy, but it’s often the catalyst for incredible growth. And when you’re in the process of rebuilding yourself, growth is exactly what you need.

6) They find power in forgiveness

When you’ve been emotionally broken, it’s natural to harbour resentment and anger towards those who’ve hurt you. You might even think that holding onto these feelings gives you some kind of power or control.

But the truth is, it’s quite the opposite.

People who rebuild themselves understand that forgiveness isn’t about letting the other person off the hook. It’s about setting themselves free.

Grudges and resentment only serve to keep us chained to the past and prevent us from moving forward.

By choosing to forgive, they’re not condoning the actions that caused their pain. Instead, they’re deciding to let go of the negative emotions that are holding them back.

Forgiveness can be tough, especially when the wounds are still fresh. But it’s a critical step in the healing process. It allows them to let go of the past, make peace with their pain, and carve a path towards a brighter future.

7) They prioritize self-care

When you’re emotionally broken, it’s easy to neglect your own needs. Your mind is so consumed with pain and heartache that everyday tasks like eating and sleeping can feel like insurmountable challenges.

However, those who manage to rebuild themselves understand the importance of self-care. They recognize that healing is as much a physical process as it is an emotional one.

So they prioritize their basic needs. They ensure they’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and moving their bodies regularly. They understand that these simple acts of self-care lay the foundation for their emotional recovery.

Moreover, they don’t stop at just physical self-care. They also take care of their mental and emotional well-being. They meditate, journal, practice mindfulness – whatever it takes to keep their minds healthy and resilient.

8) They believe in their own strength

Above all else, people who rebuild themselves after being emotionally broken have an unwavering belief in their own strength. They know they’re stronger than their pain, stronger than their past, and capable of overcoming anything life throws at them.

This isn’t blind optimism or wishful thinking. It’s a deep-seated belief in their own resilience and ability to rebuild themselves, no matter how broken they feel.

They understand that they are not defined by their pain, but by how they respond to it. And they choose to respond with courage, determination, and an unshakeable belief in their own strength.

In the end, it’s this belief that fuels their recovery and drives them to come out stronger on the other side.

Reflection on resilience

As we reach the end of our journey together, I hope you’ve come to see that those who rebuild themselves after being emotionally broken are nothing short of extraordinary.

Their resilience isn’t about being invincible or unaffected by the pain. Instead, it’s about acknowledging their hurt, embracing it, and using it as fuel to rebuild themselves stronger than before.

Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross once said, “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.”

Those who rebuild themselves after emotional heartbreak are the embodiment of this quote. They’ve journeyed through the darkest valleys of pain and emerged on the other side, not just as survivors, but as warriors.

Take a moment to reflect on their resilience. Let it inspire you and remind you of your own strength. Remember, no matter how broken you may feel, you too have the power to rebuild yourself, one piece at a time.

Minh Tran

Minh Tran is a writer and mindfulness practitioner passionate about personal growth, self-awareness, and the science of well-being. She explores how mindfulness and modern psychology intersect to help people live with more clarity and purpose. Her writing focuses on emotional resilience, inner peace, and practical self-improvement.

The happiness paradox: why chasing it might actually be what keeps you from it

It’s been 10 years since I moved from Melbourne to Southeast Asia—here’s what I’ve gained, lost, and learned.