10 Practical Tips to Get Over a Love Hangover

Breakups and the loss of a loved one can leave us feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed. The aftermath of a romantic relationship that has ended, commonly referred to as a “Love hangover,” can consume our thoughts, leaving us longing for what was and struggling to move on. 

If you’ve ever experienced the devastating effects of a love hangover, you’re not alone. 

Here, we will explore what a love hangover is, delve into the reasons behind its occurrence, discuss the different types of love hangovers, and, most importantly, provide practical tips to help you overcome this emotional turmoil and find healing. 

Whether you’re fresh out of a breakup or still reeling from losing a loved one, these strategies will guide you toward reclaiming your happiness and forwarding toward a new chapter of your life. So, let’s dive in and discover how to get over a lover’s hangover with grace and strength.

What is a love hangover?

A love hangover is the emotional and psychological aftermath of a romantic relationship that has ended. It is a state of emotional distress and turmoil that often consumes individuals after a breakup or the loss of a loved one.

When it comes to emotional hangover meaning, the term emotional hangover can be used to describe lingering emotional effects or consequences from a particularly intense or challenging emotional experience.

Similar to a physical hangover experienced after a night of excessive drinking, a love hangover or emotional hangover symptoms can include feeling drained, sad, and struggling to move on.

Why do we get love hangovers?

Love hangovers occur due to the intense emotional connection we form with our partners during a romantic relationship. When that relationship ends, our brains undergo a chemical and emotional withdrawal, leading to feelings of sadness, longing, and despair. 

Additionally, there may be a sense of loss, as the future we had envisioned with our partner is abruptly disrupted. The duration and intensity of a love hangover can vary depending on the duration and significance of the relationship.

3 primary types of love hangovers

Love hangovers come in various forms, each with its unique set of challenges and emotional turmoil. Breakups and the loss of a loved one can leave us feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed, often resulting in a constant hangover feeling.

Understanding the different types of love hangovers can help you identify and manage your experience. You can begin addressing the specific emotions and barriers hindering your healing process by recognizing which type resonates with you.

1. Nostalgia hangover

A deep longing for the past characterizes nostalgia hangover. Individuals experiencing a nostalgia hangover might idealize the relationship, reminiscing about the happy moments while forgetting why it ended.

2. Rejection hangover

A rejection hangover occurs when an individual feels profound hurt and rejection due to the breakup or the unrequited love they experienced. This type of hangover can lead to low self-esteem and a fear of opening up to new possibilities in future relationships.

3. Guilt hangover

A guilt hangover can ensue if a relationship ends due to one’s own mistakes or regrets. Feelings of remorse, self-blame, and a constant replaying of past actions or decisions mark this type of hangover and sometimes be called grief hangover.

10 helpful tips to get over a love hangover

Recovering from a love hangover can require a combination of self-care, emotional introspection, and supportive strategies. Below, we have shared some tips encompassing various healing aspects, from allowing yourself to grieve to embracing personal growth. 

These strategies can help you rebuild your strength, find solace, and eventually move forward to a happier and more fulfilling life.

1. Allow yourself to grieve

It’s essential to give yourself permission to grieve the loss of the relationship. Acknowledge your feelings, cry if necessary, and don’t suppress your emotions. It’s a healthy part of the healing process. Suppressing your emotions may only cause you more pain.

2. Seek support from loved ones

Share your feelings with family members and trusted friends who are ready to listen to your problems and can provide emotional support. 

Surrounding yourself with loved ones might make the healing process more bearable. Talk to them and let them know how you feel, as it can help with speedy recovery.

3. Embrace self-care

Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Plan activities that bring you joy or help you relax, such as exercise, reading, meditating, or indulging in hobbies. Self-care is crucial in rebuilding your sense of self-worth and resilience. Make sure not to ignore it.

4. Set boundaries

Setting boundaries might be essential if you constantly think about your ex-partner or dwell on the past. 

Avoid checking their social media profiles, remove reminders of them from your living space, and avoid places that trigger memories. Moving away from the past is the best thing you can do during these testing times.

5. Practice mindfulness

Live in the present moment and focus on the here and now. Mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing exercises or meditation, can aid in calming the mind and alleviate anxiety or stress associated with the love hangover. Distract your mind as much as possible from the lost love. 

6. Challenge negative thoughts

Our minds tend to spiral into negative thinking patterns after a breakup. Challenge these thoughts by questioning their validity and replacing them with more positive and supportive self-talk. Surround yourself with affirmations and reminders of your worth.

7. Reflect and learn

Use this opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Consider what you learned from the relationship and the breakup. Identify areas you can improve upon in future relationships and use this knowledge to become a better version of yourself.

8. Avoid rebound relationships

While seeking companionship after a breakup is natural, jumping into a new relationship too soon can hinder the healing process. Take time to focus on yourself, build your strength, and ensure you are emotionally ready for a new relationship.

9. Seek professional support

If the love hangover feels overwhelming or persists for an extended period, consider seeking therapy or counseling. A professional can guide you and equip you with the tools to heal and move forward. Sometimes, all you need is someone who can listen; a professional therapist might be the best person.

Watch Andrew David Huberman, an American podcaster and neuroscientist, as he delves into the reasons why breakups hurt and what mistakes you should avoid after a breakup in this video:

10. Embrace a new chapter

Lastly, remember that the end of a relationship is not the end of your life. Welcome the opportunity for growth, new experiences, and self-discovery. Allow yourself to feel excited about the possibilities that lie ahead without letting your past hold you back.

FAQs

Experiencing a love hangover can have lasting impacts on our emotional well-being and relationships. Below, we have answered some commonly asked questions about love hangovers:

• What are the long-term effects of a love hangover?

The long-term effects of a love hangover can include difficulties in trusting others, forming new connections, and maintaining healthy self-esteem. Lingering feelings of sadness, anger, and vulnerability can impact overall happiness and future relationships.

• What red flags indicate that a love hangover may be getting out of control?

Red flags suggesting an escalating love hangover include obsessive thoughts about the past relationship, neglecting self-care, isolating oneself, excessive substance use, or an inability to function in daily life.

• When should I seek professional help for a love hangover?

It is essential to seek professional help for a love hangover when feelings of hopelessness persist, thoughts of self-harm arise, daily functioning is significantly impaired, or sleep and eating patterns are disrupted. Therapists or counselors can provide guidance, support, and customized strategies to aid recovery.

• How can I prevent love hangovers from happening in the future?

While completely avoiding love hangovers may not be possible, we can take steps to minimize their occurrence. Building healthy relationship boundaries, practicing self-care and self-love, maintaining open communication, and recognizing early warning signs can help prevent future love hangovers.

Key takeaway

A love hangover is a natural response to the end of a romantic relationship. Understanding the various types of love hangovers and implementing these practical tips for recovery can pave the way for healing and personal growth.

Remember, time heals wounds, and with self-care and self-reflection, you can find yourself moving forward and ready to embrace new love and happiness.