15 Healthy Ways to Cope With a Breakup​

Anna sat in her car, gripping the steering wheel, her vision blurred by tears. The person she once shared dreams with was now a stranger. The pain felt unbearable, like a physical ache in her chest. She kept asking herself, “Are there ways to cope with a breakup and move forward?” At that moment, it seemed impossible. 

Breakups are among the most painful emotional experiences a person can endure. Whether the relationship was loving or toxic, the end still hurts. You’ve invested time, energy, and emotion, only to watch it slip away.

But even in heartbreak, there is hope. Understanding the right ways to cope with a breakup can help you heal, regain your strength, and rebuild your life. This pain won’t last forever, and you are not alone.

Why are breakups so painful?

According to research, the hurt caused by a breakup is similar to physical pain. To elaborate on this fact, the part of the brain activated during the breakup is the same as the part activated when some physical pain is caused.

Breakups cause changes in brain chemistry, and people tend to seek logical explanations for why a relationship ends. However, the situation does not always lend itself to a solution.

Also, a breakup is a loss, and when one has invested so much in the person physically and emotionally, it almost seems like a loss of investment.

Breakups disrupt brain chemistry, making people search for logical explanations that may not exist.

They represent both emotional and personal investment losses, making them incredibly painful. Understanding why breakups hurt so much can help in the healing process.

• Emotional attachment – You’ve become so used to them that separation feels unnatural.
• Losing oneself – Relationships shape our routines, habits, and self-perceptions. Losing them can feel like losing yourself.
• Fear of the future – The imagined future no longer exists, leaving uncertainty and anxiety.
• It feels like your heart literally breaks – Even in toxic relationships, familiarity provides comfort. Without it, isolation sets in.
• Memories everywhere – Places, songs, and daily habits become painful reminders, making it difficult to move on.

Common feelings or emotions post-breakup

Breakups can drastically impact someone. Surviving a relationship break-up, a person experiences various emotions. However, all these feelings and behaviors are entirely normal, and certain feelings are unavoidable. We all need time to recover from a breakup. 

A breakup can bring a storm of emotions, often unbearable. Dealing with relationship breakdown means recognizing these feelings as a natural part of healing.

1. Loneliness 

The absence of your partner creates an emotional void, making even familiar places feel empty.

2. Questioning self-worth

You might blame yourself, wondering if you were enough or if you did something wrong.

3. Anxiety

The uncertainty of moving forward can trigger restlessness, overthinking, and fear of the future.

4. Depression 

Depression happens when sadness takes a toll. 

5 . Physical manifestation of pain

Emotional distress manifests physically, leading to tension headaches and heartache that feel so real.

6. Confusion in thoughts

One moment you miss them, sometimes you’re angry,  the next you’re relieved. These mixed emotions can be exhausting.

7. Mood swings 

Anger, sadness, hope, and regret can all surface unexpectedly, making emotions unpredictable.

8. Numbness

Sometimes, the pain is so intense that you feel nothing at all, as if you’re emotionally shut down.

Understanding these feelings is the first step. There are ways to cope with a breakup that can help you process emotions and heal.

15 healthy ways to cope with a breakup

So, what are the effective ways to cope with a breakup​? How to deal with a breakup after a long relationship​?

Understandably, everything is falling apart now. Everything is a blur. We all plan for our future alongside the person we love. When everything fails, our world shatters.

Where do you start moving on? Is it even possible?  

Despite these feelings, it is important to get over them and not let them get to you. To help you in this healing process and handling a breakup, listed below are the top 15 ways of how to deal with a breakup and bring joy back into your life.

1. Acceptance

First of all, it is essential that you accept the fact that your relationship is now over as an answer to how to deal with a breakup from a toxic relationship.

“I was happy. We were perfect for each other.”

You may feel like you still want to give your love a chance, but it doesn’t work that way. No matter how much you love the person, sometimes, letting go and accepting reality are the only things you can do.

There is simply no point in living in denial and disbelief that “this cannot be happening to you.” Honestly, it has, and there is nothing you can do now to change it. The faster you accept this truth, the quicker you will be able to move on.

• How to practice this: Remember that acceptance is the first step to healing. Start by writing daily affirmations like “I am strong enough to move forward.”

2. Do not pressure yourself

Throughout this time, be easy on yourself. Don’t let anyone gaslight you or make you feel that you were not enough. Be kind to yourself. Do not blame or guilt-trip yourself; instead, believe that it must’ve happened for your own good.

It is okay to feel low and depressed after a relationship breakup, and you are allowed to consume as much time as you want in order to heal. Use this time to clear out your mind and keep all other tasks aside.

• How to practice this: Permit yourself to grieve and not pressure yourself. It’s normal to take small daily steps, such as setting short-term goals until you regain your balance.

3. Stay healthy and positive

Although it is normal to take a break from daily life after a harsh breakup, what matters is that you do not let it get the best of you. Focus on yourself, eat healthily, and exercise regularly.

Prolonged grieving can cause mental and physical symptoms; this is why most people get sick or lose weight. You must know the importance of caring for yourself.

Being fit promotes a feeling of well-being, and you will be able to adapt to this new single life much quicker. 

To move on from a relationship, keep toxic thoughts out of your head. Avoid pitying yourself or regretting whatever happened; instead, focus on the good things and remind yourself that better times will come.

• How to practice this: Start a new fitness routine, meal prep, or try a mindfulness activity like yoga to improve your mental and physical health. This will also help you divert your thoughts.

4. Find friends and family to talk to and share feelings

Socializing is one of the best ways to cope with a breakup​. During this challenging time, it is very helpful to keep loving friends and family around.

Having trusted people who love and care for us makes us feel affirmed and cherished. Reach out to them if you ever feel like talking and getting rid of all the negative thoughts boiling in your head. Doing so will bring about relief and allow you to focus on the good things still in life.

• How to practice this: Regularly check with a close friend or family member to talk and receive emotional support. Remember to only open up with the people you trust.

5. Stay away from alcohol and drugs

Falling prey to alcohol and drug abuse is the worst thing you can do to yourself. Most people experiencing heartbreaks, especially those who are emotionally weak, will be very vulnerable to alcohol and substance abuse.

These seem like a quick and easy getaway from this rough patch of life, but they do nothing but damage you further. Instead of moving on, you’ll only ruin your life and your future.

• How to practice this: Instead of turning to substances, find a healthy distraction like working out or engaging in creative activities.

6. Pick new hobbies and try new experiences

Consider this time as an opportunity for you to explore new interests. Maybe previously, your ex was holding you back from doing what you loved, but now you are free.

Try out new things, pick up new hobbies, and find new passions. Go on trips or hikes, try boxing, learn how to bake, or do whichever you like. Enjoy your time; making new memories is a perfect way to deal with a breakup.

• How to practice this: Make a bucket list of things you’ve always wanted to do and start checking them off one by one. Use this time to do the things that you’ve always wanted.

7. Think of a future for yourself

While trying to find peace with this breakup, you must also stay hopeful. It’s not the end of the world! Start planning a future for yourself that does not involve your ex.

One of the most beautiful ways to cope with a breakup​ is by starting to dream again and taking small steps to work towards your goal. Look forward to what the future awaits you instead of fearing how you will manage this new, changed life.

• How to practice this: Set new personal or career goals and create a vision board to keep you motivated. Use photos, create a journal, and watch inspiring videos.

8. Convince yourself that you will find joy once again

Throughout this time, it is of extreme importance for you to stay positive. Surely, it may seem impossible at one point, but think about it. It’s not the end of the world.

You should know that you are solely responsible for your happiness and the only one who can achieve it. Once that is established, you will know where to start.

You know who you are, and you certainly know what you want, so don’t stop or give up. Continue working your way to what pleases you, and find your happiness as a way to move forward and be better.

• How to practice this: Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you’re thankful for every day. Start creating a new and better version of yourself.

9. Accept the grief

Don’t avoid the feeling or think it is negative. Accept it as part of your healing process. Accepting it as normal will help you navigate the problem smoothly.

• How to practice this: Allow yourself to cry and express emotions healthily, like through art or music. Listen to songs, write poems, and even watch dramas. Release the pain, but don’t dwell on it.

10. Don’t rush the process

Breakups are hard to overcome, and you will need time to get over them. So, don’t think you will wake up all fit and fine one day. That’s impossible.

Give yourself some time and take baby steps. Rushing the process of healing will only give you anxiety and double up the pain. It’s just masking what needs to be accepted.

• How to practice this: Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate small milestones in your healing journey. This is where you will need all the support that you can get.

11. Don’t stalk them on social media

Okay, this is one of the most common mistakes people make when they’re trying to find ways to cope with a breakup​. Every now and then, you’re getting that strong urge to check on their Facebook or Instagram account, don’t you?

Unfortunately, stalking them on social media will give you pain and remind you of your past relationship. Significantly, if you find them moving on, it will hurt your feelings.

Is there any reason why you’re stalking them? It’s better to opt for a digital detox and stop stalking them on social media or ask your mutual friends how your ex is coping as a tip for dealing with a breakup.

• How to practice this: Stalking your ex can be addicting, so keep yourself busy! Remind yourself that it’s over, and you’re only hurting yourself by checking up on your ex. Get up, put down that phone, and divert your attention.

12. Get busy

You need to be deliberately busy to avoid your mind trailing back to the breakup thoughts. If you dwell, you’d easily spend your whole day in bed, stalking your ex. We don’t want that!

Get engrossed in your work and career. Frankly, other aspects of your life are equally important. You have a job, a family, and a future ahead of you.

• How to practice this: Write your new priorities in life. Set goals and start working on them. Get up, fix yourself, and start working towards your future. Be busy, and you’ll forget.

13. Remain socially active

One tip for dealing with a harsh breakup is to say yes to all social functions. Attend every occasion. Surround yourself with people, but open up with a few.

With as many interactions with people as possible, you will have your mind off the difficulties. And, of course, a lot of your dear ones will do their best to make you smile.

• How to practice this: It’s not the end of the world. After grieving, please go out and see how beautiful it is to meet new people. Engage in meaningful conversations and be open to meeting new friends.

14. Choose to journal

As much as journaling will help you express yourself, nothing else will. It is your free space to bring all your emotions to the forefront without fearing judgment. So, maintain a diary and let your emotions flow as a way of how to deal with a breakup.

• How to practice this: Watch journaling tutorials. You might start enjoying writing and designing your journal. Pour your heart out and be creative. This is also another way to occupy your mind.

15. Get professional assistance

In case you are having a hard time dealing with your emotions or dealing with a breakup, you must get help from a licensed therapist or a counselor who will help you assess your emotions and let you figure out how you can move forward.

You may feel shy or doubtful, but remember that these professionals are here to help and not to judge you. They are well-trained in these areas.

• How to practice this: Search for trusted therapists in your area, and don’t be afraid to book an appointment. Seeking help is not something to be ashamed of. 

Let’s learn some simple ways to stop caring about things that don’t matter by watch this video:

What not to do after a breakup: 5 don’ts 

To move on from a breakup, it’s just as important to know what to avoid as it is to focus on healing. 

If you’re seeking guidance on ways to cope with a breakup, here are five key mistakes to avoid while learning how to deal with breakup as a woman or any other gender after a long relationship.

1. Stalking them on social media

Checking their social media only prolongs the pain and keeps you in the past. Either you see and miss old memories, or you’ll see something that will upset you. Either way, it won’t help you.

• Unfollow or mute them to minimize temptation and focus on your healing.

2. Jumping into a rebound relationship

A rebound relationship rarely leads to true healing and can bring more emotional confusion. You can’t love another person if you’re still broken.

• Take time to reconnect with yourself before pursuing a new relationship.

3. Obsessing over the breakup

Constantly thinking about the breakup can prevent emotional recovery. It’s okay to acknowledge and feel the pain, but that’s only a part of the many ways to cope with a breakup​.

• Engage in new hobbies or set personal goals to shift your focus forward.

4. Announcing the breakup publicly

Social media is very powerful. We’ve seen people post every milestone and even every break-up. Don’t make this mistake. Oversharing can make healing harder and invite unnecessary opinions that worsen the situation.

• It’s better to confide only in close friends or a therapist for support.

5. Isolating yourself for too long

It’s okay if you want to be alone after the break-up but don’t prolong this. Being alone for an extended period can lead to loneliness and depression.

• Stay socially engaged by making plans with loved ones or joining social groups.

Breakup isn’t the end of the world

A breakup isn’t the end of the world—it’s a new beginning.

Every heartbreak is a chance to rediscover yourself, grow stronger, and build a future filled with new possibilities. The road to healing isn’t always easy, but by focusing on positive ways to cope with a breakup, you can move forward with confidence and self-love.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll find healthier ways to cope with a breakup and regain emotional balance. Now is the time to take charge of your healing journey.

Implement these strategies, lean on your support system, and remind yourself that happiness is still ahead. Beyond this chapter, you can heal, grow, and create a fulfilling life.