UCanMakeItIfYourTry – Find Happiness After A Breakup
TOP TIPS
Breakups hurt. They can rip out your heart and leave you feeling empty inside. You may wonder if you will ever be happy again. The good news is – you will be. In fact, you will be better off than before if you keep this advice in mind…
1 – Allow Yourself to Feel Your Feelings
Breakups bring on feelings that you may not want to face. However, ignoring emotions is unhealthy and may prevent you from moving on. Find productive ways to feel all the feelings and emotions — cry, talk with supportive friends, or journal.
2 – Make Self-Care a Priority
Neglecting self-care basics will not bring your ex back and can harm your mental and physical health. Start with small things like showering daily and washing the dishes. Add more small habits as you work through your emotions.
3 – Seek Out Support from Friends & Family
You don’t have to weather the emotional storm alone. It’s tempting to isolate yourself, but social interaction helps. It’s therapeutic to share your hurt with friends and family.
4 – Get Physically Active
Movement energizes your body and uplifts your emotions. Actions like exercising, singing, and dancing release positive endorphins. Not to mention, these activities are beneficial to your body. Sitting on the couch will only exacerbate negative emotions.
5 – Adjust Your Social Media Settings
Letting go after a breakup means letting go of your curiosity to see what your ex is up to. It can cause emotions to surface that are not helpful for healing. If seeing your ex on social media is an emotional trigger – stop following them.
6 – Set Some Personal Goals
Consider all the things you wanted to do but felt held back by your relationship. It’s time to put those plans into action. Setting and reaching goals propels you forward while boosting your confidence.
7 – Pick Up a New Hobby
Hobbies can be a healthy distraction when emotions threaten to overwhelm you. They are also helpful for reigniting your passion and meeting new people. Why not rekindle an old hobby or find a new one? Consider signing up for a class and let your creative juices flow.
8 – Contemplate What You Want in a New Relationship
A breakup hurts, but it is also an opportunity to learn about yourself and what you want from a relationship. After some time has passed, review your previous relationship objectively for areas in which you can improve and grow.
9 – Seek Out Counseling If You Need More Help
Even after you have made the necessary steps and changes, you may still need help. Don’t be afraid to seek professional counseling to help you navigate your feelings and discover new ways of coping with your grief.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
1 – Take time to feel. Check in and ask yourself how you are feeling. Be brutally honest.
2 – Call up a trustworthy friend to talk to. Likely, they have experienced a breakup and can lend a listening ear and some helpful advice.
3 – Block social media access to your ex. It will feel painful, but it is not as bad as looking on their page and seeing pictures of them with their new love interest.
- About the Author
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James Donaldson
Former Owner and Director of The Donaldson Clinic (an outpatient physical therapy clinic)
James completed a 20 year professional basketball career in the spring of 2000. James established The Donaldson Clinic in (January 1990 – 2018) (shortly after a career threatening knee injury) with an idea that he would eventually become a physical therapist. He is a strong advocate for Women & Minority owned businesses and is very involved with various Chambers of Commerce. He understands what it takes to sustain a strong business environment that is conducive to the success of businesses overall.
James is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the N.B.A. with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz. He also played for several in Spain, Italy and Greece of the European Leagues plus toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an N.B.A. All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac – 10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame.
He now devotes the majority of his time to various community activities, and toward the Gift of Life Foundation, speaking on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, youth groups and is the author of the published “Standing Above the Crowd” of which you can learn more about at www.standingabovethecrowd.com and is available for sale now.
In 2021, James published Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy. www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
James is a 40+ year resident of Seattle. He believes in being a role model of success and professionalism for the scores of young people that he devotes so much of his time to. He currently serves on several Boards and/or committees and is a member of many organizations. (Please see complete listing on back)
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win – Win” environment for everyone involved, and being the best he can be!
