4 Self-Care Routines That Can Help You Rebuild After A Breakup
It's easy to forget about the importance of inner-peace and self-love after a breakup. The pain of losing a partner can be so intense that even acknowledging your emotions can be heart-wrenching. But that's why making an extra effort to take care of yourself during tough times is so important, and finding the right self-care routines to try after a breakup can be a great way to kick-start the healing process. According to Dr. Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and host of The Kurre and Klapow Show, readjusting to single life takes a concerted effort and a consistent commitment to self-care.
"A breakup is one of the most life-changing experiences a human can have," Dr. Klapow tells Elite Daily. "It means processing the memories of a person who is still alive, still around, maybe still in your social circle but with whom you don’t interact in the same intimate manner." A important part of making the shift from a relationship to single life as seamless as possible is adjusting your self-care routine. "Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually is critical to making the transition. Without time and healing, you may carry the stress and grief with you into everything you do." Here are some ways to make self-care part of your everyday life post-breakup.
01Acknowledge Your Emotions.
One of the simplest ways to practice self-care is to respect your emotional state, even when it includes grief and sadness. "Let your emotions be present," explains Dr. Klapow. "Journaling is a great way to record your feelings so you can reflect on them later, and meditation can also help you get more comfortable in the presence of your emotions instead of trying to push them away."
02Take Care Of Your Physical and Psychological Health.
Breakups present the perfect opportunity to improve your mental and physical health. During this time, Dr. Klapow recommends paying close attention to the activities that make you feel better. "Make an inventory of what you need to make yourself physically and psychologically healthy," adds Dr. Klapow. "These actions can and should be worked into your daily routine. Exercise, sleep, meditation, prayer, nutrition, spiritual connection, and connection with others are examples of a few things you can try."
03Reflect On Toxic Dating Patterns.
Depending on your outlook, single life can be either a ton of fun, or stressful AF. If you find yourself jumping from relationship to relationship, it might be helpful to ask yourself why. "For some people, relationships may serve as an escape from the more uncomfortable feeling of being single," says Dr. Klapow. "Thus, they avoid being single because it scares them, and they translate that into their desire for a new relationship." If embracing single life has been an ongoing struggle for you, facing your fears and not rushing into another relationship is a self-care practice that could set you up for long-term growth.
04Start Therapy.
Even if you feel fine after ending a relationship, it's never a bad idea to talk with a trained professional about what's going on in your life. "One of the most powerful, helpful, and important things you can do is to go to psychotherapy," suggests Dr. Klapow. "Working with a skilled therapist can help you understand how you got to this point, where your blind spots are, what you want from a relationship, what your fears are and how do you manage them, what the impact of the breakup was, and more."
Ultimately, how you choose to take care of yourself following a breakup can have a direct impact on the healing process. If moving on is your focus, then implementing effective routines that prioritize your physical and mental health are key. And while this might feel like a tall order, don't be afraid to reach out to family, friends, or a professional therapist for support.
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