Catherine Garton/ contributing writer
If you have recently found yourself heartbroken, have no fear. It is not the end of the world. It probably isn’t your first heartbreak, and it might not be the last. Hopefully, the following advice will get you through this Valentine’s season.
Keep in mind recovering from heartbreak takes time. There are many websites out there that will tell you it will take half of the time you were together to heal. In my experience, this is very wrong. It takes a lot longer than that.
There will be many old habits you will have to meditate on and fix during the healing process. You must give yourself time to grieve and heal from a relationship. If not, these problems will continue to come up in future relationships. In my experience, giving yourself time is the most remarkable piece of advice.
Focusing on myself and my growth has been highly beneficial when recovering from heartbreak. Aside from this, I’ve been reading more books and going on solo dates. This usually looks like driving to a nearby park with some sushi and a yerba mate, Enlighten Mint, always. I lay out my blanket, plug in my headphones and spend the next few hours reading my book.
Some other things I am doing during this healing process are sewing and baking. These activities take up the time I would have spent on my partner. But instead, I’m using it to focus on myself. There is always something to learn about or improve on when it comes to personal growth.
Reaching out to a friend, mentor or therapist to talk about your relationship is helpful. If you feel comfortable, talk about what you went through. I found myself bottling my feelings up, which hindered my healing process.
Talking to the people I trust about my heartbreak encouraged me to focus on myself. I’ve realized I’m not alone. It’s easy to isolate yourself and feel like you’re the only one who has ever been heartbroken.
This is a totally normal thought process many of us experience. Remember, there are other people who love you: your friends, your mentors and your colleagues. Prioritize the relationships in your life where you feel accepted and encouraged to grow.
In the past, I’ve tried to convince myself that I am over the relationship when I’m still recovering. I thought pretending to be over them would help me heal faster when it only led to more heartbreak.
Remember, your relationship ended for a reason. There isn’t a good enough reason to get back into the same toxic relationship, especially if you don’t give each other enough time to heal and work on yourselves in between. I’ve been there twice. And it never worked out.
Starting a new relationship once you feel ready for one will be scary. That’s totally normal. Remember to take your time. Go at your own pace. You will find love again. Don’t rush it.
It has been over a year since my breakup, and I am still in recovery. It will take some more time, which honestly can be frustrating. But I have to be easy on myself. We will get through this Valentine’s season together.
I believe in you!
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The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.
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