Heartbreak can feel like the end of the world. It’s a pain that seeps into every aspect of your life, making everything seem a little less bright.
But what if I told you there are ways to mend your broken heart quicker? Based on psychology, there are specific strategies that can help you move forward.
In this article I will share these tricks with you. These strategies will not only help you heal but also empower you to come back stronger.
So, brace yourself, it’s time to take control of your healing process and get over that heartbreak faster than you ever thought possible.
1) Acceptance
The first step towards healing a broken heart, according to psychology, is acceptance.
As humans, it’s natural for us to be in denial when we experience pain or loss. It’s easier to pretend it’s not happening or that things will soon go back to how they were.
But here’s the thing – clinging onto the past only prolongs your pain. Acceptance, on the other hand, helps you acknowledge the reality of your situation.
By accepting your feelings and the reality of your break-up, you’re not trying to fight or suppress your emotions, which can often lead to more distress.
Allow yourself to feel the pain, acknowledge your loss, and accept your current state. It’s only after acceptance that true healing can begin.
Remember, acceptance doesn’t mean you’re okay with what happened; it simply means that you’re ready to take steps towards healing. And that’s a powerful place to start.
2) Social support
In my own experience, one of the most effective ways to get over a broken heart quickly is leaning on your social support network.
When I went through a particularly tough break-up, I felt isolated and alone. The loneliness seemed to magnify the pain, and it felt like I was trapped in my own emotional turmoil.
But then, I decided to reach out to my friends and family. I expressed my feelings, shared my pain, and their support was nothing short of therapeutic.
Don’t shy away from reaching out to your loved ones. Be it a friend, family member, or even a mental health professional – their support can provide you with the emotional strength you need to heal. Trust me, it works wonders.
3) Physical activity
Engaging in regular physical activity can be a great way to cope with a broken heart. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, which can help reduce feelings of sadness and depression.
In fact, a study conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%.
Engaging in physical activity not only helps distract you from the pain but also boosts your mood, aiding the healing process. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone – you’re mending your broken heart and staying fit at the same time.
4) Self-care
It’s easy to neglect your own needs when you’re nursing a broken heart. But prioritizing self-care can do wonders for your well-being during this time.
Self-care involves taking intentional steps to look after your physical, emotional, and mental health.
It can be as simple as ensuring you’re eating well and getting enough sleep, or it could involve activities that you enjoy and make you feel good about yourself.
Psychologists argue that self-care is not just about indulgence; it’s about self-preservation. It’s about refueling yourself rather than running on empty.
So, make time for a hot bath, read that book you’ve been putting off, go for a walk in nature, or simply unwind with your favorite movie.
5) Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a psychological process that involves bringing your attention to the present moment. It’s about experiencing the world in real time, without being caught up in thoughts about the past or worries about the future.
This practice can be particularly helpful when you’re dealing with heartbreak. Instead of ruminating on what went wrong or what could have been, mindfulness encourages you to accept your current state and focus on the present.
There are various ways to practice mindfulness, including meditation, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises.
Regularly practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and improve mental well-being, making it a powerful tool for healing a broken heart.
Allow yourself to experience your feelings without judgment. With time, mindfulness can help you develop a new perspective on your heartbreak and promote healing.
6) Allow yourself to grieve
This may sound counterintuitive when you’re trying to get over a broken heart quickly, but it’s an essential step.
Heartbreak is a form of loss. It’s the end of a significant part of your life, and it’s entirely natural to grieve.
Allowing yourself to grieve doesn’t mean wallowing in self-pity; it means acknowledging your feelings and giving yourself permission to feel the pain.
It’s about allowing yourself to cry when you need to, to mourn the end of the relationship, and to feel the emptiness that comes with it.
It’s hard, I know. But remember, it’s okay to not be okay. You’re human, and it’s okay to feel the pain. You’re not weak for grieving; you’re simply processing your feelings.
Psychologists say that grief is not a linear process – it comes in waves. Some days will be better than others. But each wave you ride out brings you one step closer to healing.
7) Journaling
When I was dealing with my own heartbreak, I found solace in writing. Putting pen to paper and pouring out my thoughts and feelings helped me understand and process my emotions better.
Journaling is a therapeutic tool that allows you to express your feelings freely. It’s like having a personal, non-judgmental space where you can vent, reflect, and even cry if you need to.
Research in the field of psychology supports this. Studies have shown that expressive writing can lead to significant improvements in both physical and psychological health.
So, grab a notebook, find a quiet spot, and just write. Write about your pain, your hopes, your fears, your dreams. Write without censoring yourself. You might be surprised at how cathartic it can be.
8) Seek professional help
Sometimes, heartbreak can feel overwhelming, and it’s okay to seek help. If your feelings of sadness persist or you find it hard to carry out daily activities, it might be time to consult a mental health professional.
Therapists and counselors are trained to help you navigate through your emotions and provide you with coping strategies.
They can provide a safe space for you to express your feelings and guide you towards healing.
Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards recovery. It shows your determination to heal and move forward.
9) Time
The most critical factor in healing a broken heart is time. No matter how much it hurts right now, time has a way of healing all wounds.
It’s essential to understand that healing is not an overnight process. It takes time to recover from the pain and disappointment of a broken relationship.
But with each passing day, the pain will lessen, and eventually, you will find yourself moving forward.
Be patient with yourself. Give yourself the time you need to heal. The storm may be fierce now, but remember, even the worst storms pass.
And when they do, you’ll come out stronger on the other side.
Final thoughts: Healing is a journey
The path to healing from a broken heart is deeply personal and varies from person to person. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s okay to take your time.
According to renowned psychologist Guy Winch, “Heartbreak is a complex psychological injury. It requires more than simple solutions like ‘go to the gym’ or ‘book a trip’ – it needs emotional care and attention.”
Remember, it’s okay to feel the pain, to mourn your loss, and to grieve. You’re not alone in this journey, and it’s okay to seek help when you need it.
And while it may not seem like it now, remember that with time, you will heal. You’ll grow from this experience and come out stronger on the other side.
So as you navigate your path to healing, remember – every step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards recovery.
You are stronger than you think, and this too shall pass.