From Heartbreak to Happiness - 27 Steps to Recovering from a Breakup

Breakups are often seen as a short-term phenomenon. But what happens when the hurt and pain remain long after the relationship has ended? What do we do when it feels like there's no way out of our own hurts and emotions?

Most breakups involve a period of sadness followed by an eventual acceptance and sense of closure. In some cases, the sadness and hurt can linger for months, if not years. When these feelings don't seem to go away, it can be overwhelming and leave us feeling alone and without hope.

The good news is that there are ways to help cope with the raw emotions of a breakup and ultimately walk away feeling empowered and ready for a new beginning. Here are 27 steps to make your post-breakup journey successful.

1. Accept that the breakup happened. It's natural to feel regret and sadness following a breakup. Instead of pushing away these feelings, accept that they are part of the process of letting go and healing.

2. Express your emotions in a healthy way. It’s important to give yourself permission to feel and express your emotions. Writing in a journal or talking to a friend can be helpful ways to express what you are feeling.

3. Take time just for yourself. Use this time to think about your feelings and reflect on who you were before the relationship. Reconnect with your own interests and activities.

4. Stop abusing yourself with negative self-talk. Remind yourself of all the positive qualities that make you unique and recall all of the things you have accomplished on your own.

5. Reconnect with your friends. Spend time with people who are positive and supportive and will remind you of how amazing you really are.

6. Do something that relaxes and rejuvenates you. Try activities like yoga, meditation, or even just taking a long walk.

7. Go ahead and cry. Crying is a normal part of grief and it doesn't make you weak or vulnerable. Allowing yourself to cry can be cathartic and help you process your emotions.

8. Break up with the past. Let go of the things that remind you of your former partner and remove yourself from any toxic environments they may have been connected to.

9. Forgive yourself and let go of any guilt associated with the breakup. Don't waste any more energy or time trying to figure out what you could have done differently to save the relationship.

10. Stay away from social media. Avoid stalking your ex online or creating new drama by posting hurtful comments.

11. Eliminate unhealthy coping strategies. Although it may seem like drinking, partying and other vices can help numb the pain, they will ultimately do more harm than good.

12. Ask for help and support when needed. Surround yourself with a supportive network of family and friends who will listen and understand what you're going through.

13. Have faith that life will get better. Give yourself permission to dream big, even if it scares you.

14. Get rid of negative people in your life. These people can drag you down and it is best to distance yourself so you can move on in peace.

15. Learn to be content in your own company. This will help you learn to love and appreciate yourself as an individual.

16. Create new routines and habits. Creating a consistent schedule will help provide much-needed structure and stability.

17. Live for today. Don't waste energy worrying about the future. Focus on enjoying the present and living your life to the fullest.

18. Set goals and focus on the positives. Celebrate small wins and motivate yourself to achieve new goals.

19. Enjoy the little things. Focus on things that make you smile and give you peace of mind.

20. Be thankful. List three things you are grateful for each day.

21. Rekindle old hobbies and activities. Doing things that make you happy will help take your mind off the breakup.

22. Create a vision board. Cut out images and words that represent your hopes and dreams.

23. Take time to reflect. Journal and meditate to help you get clear on your feelings, thoughts and emotions.

24. Appreciate yourself. Take time each day to be mindful and appreciate who you are.

25. Practice self-care. Invest in your wellbeing by eating healthy and exercising.

26. Find joy in everyday life. Spend time with animals or do things that bring you joy.

27. Reach out for professional help. A therapist or counselor can help guide you through this challenging time.

It can take some time to heal from the pain of a breakup, but it is possible. With patience and practice, it is possible to move forward and find joy again. Just take it one step at a time and be kind to yourself along the way.