If you've ever loved, you're probably familiar with the sensation of heartbreak--that feeling of emptiness, panic and profound sadness that seems destined to last forever. You're not alone, and it won't last forever. It is important to recognize, however, that heartbreak is a form of grief, and you need to go through its stages to recover. The Villanova University Counseling Center says that emotional responses to a breakup are very similar to other forms of loss.
Step 1
Nourish your spirit. You don't have to be religious to tap into the divine, and spirituality is a powerful heartbreak remedy, says psychologist and author Diana Kirschner in Psychology Today. Practices like meditation, yoga, prayer, tai chi and pranayama breathing anchor you to the present moment, and provide perspective. Spiritual activities calm the frenetic effects of the "love chemical" dopamine, which often is still present after a breakup.
Step 2
Participate fully in life and keep busy. Your first instinct might be to hit "snooze" on your alarm all day, but this won't help you recover your confidence, according to the Villanova University Counseling Center. Instead, make a daily schedule and stick to it. Work hard, exercise or embark on a new hobby. This proactive approach might feel strange at first, but eventually you'll start to feel motivated and engaged again.
Step 3
Seek support from family and friends. You may feel focused almost entirely on that one person, but spending time around loved ones will remind you of the other valuable relationships in your life. Spend time around people who are willing to listen to your feelings, and talk them through with you. Remember, they may need the same from you someday.
Step 4
Make some changes. They can be small changes, like a confidence-boosting new haircut or redecorating your apartment. The Villianova University Counseling Center suggests taking up new creative endeavors. That way, you can express yourself and recover some of your individual identity. You also can redefine former relationship anniversary dates by planning other fun activities with friends on those days.
Step 5
Be patient. Although in some ways, this is the simplest advice for healing heartbreak, it's also the toughest to heed. You will feel better eventually, but need time to recover. By keeping busy, you may find that time passes more quickly than if you stayed in your room crying.
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