10 Tips to Help You Move on From Your Ex

Childish drawing of a frowning man and woman with broken hearts over their heads.
When you're going through a break-up, it feels like time is standing still. (Image: Czarnybez via Dreamstime)

They say that time heals all wounds, but when you’re going through a break-up, it feels like time is standing still. If you’re finding it hard to move on from your ex, don’t despair — there are some things you can do to speed up the process.

10 ways to move on from a failed relationship

1. Get rid of reminders

The first step is to get rid of anything that reminds you of your ex. This means deleting their number from your phone, unfollowing them on social media, and getting rid of any gifts they may have given you. It might be painful at first, but it’s important to do this so you can start to forget about them. Because otherwise, you’ll find yourself constantly looking at their profile or wondering what they’re up to — and that’s not going to help you move on.

2. Distract yourself

If you find yourself thinking about your ex all the time, it’s important to distract yourself. Spend time with friends and family, take up a new hobby, or go on vacation. Doing things that make you happy will help take your mind off of your break-up. Moreover, it’ll give you something to focus on other than your ex.

Go on a vacation or do other things that make you happy to help you move on.
Go on a vacation or do other things that make you happy to help you move on. (Image: Arne9001 via Dreamstime)

3. Talk about it

It’s also helpful to talk about what you’re going through with someone who will understand. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who can offer support. Talking about your break-up can help you process your emotions and start to move on. This is the reason why break-up support groups exist – they provide a space for people to share their experiences and feel heard.

4. Write about it

Writing about your break-up can also be therapeutic. You can write about how you’re feeling, what went wrong in the relationship, and anything else that’s on your mind. Getting your thoughts down on paper (or screen) can help you make sense of them and start to let go.

5. Don’t wallow

Of course, it’s okay to allow yourself to feel sad after a break-up. But it’s important not to dwell on your sadness or allow it to take over your life. Cry if you need to, but then try to focus on the positive things in your life.

6. Don’t stalk them online

It can be tempting to check up on your ex after a break-up, but it’s important to resist this urge. Stalking them online will only make it harder for you to move on. If you see that they’re happy without you, it will just make you feel worse. So do yourself a favor and stay off their social media accounts.

Photo of a man checking his mobile phone overlaid with a blank social media profile.
It can be tempting to check up on your ex after a break-up, but do yourself a favor and stay off their social media accounts. (Image: Everythingpossible via Dreamstime)

7. Don’t rebound

Another temptation after a break-up is to immediately find someone else to date. But experts say that rebounds rarely work out and can actually make it harder to get over your ex. If you’re not ready to date again, don’t force yourself — wait until you’re truly ready to move on.

8. Take your time

There is no set timeline for getting over a break-up. Some people bounce back quickly while others take longer. Don’t compare yourself to others — just focus on taking things at your own pace. eventually, you’ll get there.

9. Seek professional help

If you’re finding it really hard to move on from your break-up, it might be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist can provide support and guidance as you work through your emotions. They can also offer strategies for dealing with a break-up.

10. Know that it’s normal to feel this way

Finally, it’s important to remember that it’s normal to feel upset after a break-up. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you — it’s just a sign that you cared about the relationship. Allow yourself to grieve and know that time will eventually heal your wounds.

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  • Armin Auctor

    Armin Auctor is an author who has been writing for more than a decade, with his main focus on Lifestyle, personal development, and ethical subjects like the persecution of minorities in China and human rights.

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