Let’s face it; breakups are never easy. Whether it’s a casual thing, something that looked to be getting exclusive or your high-school sweetheart, the sudden change in circumstance can leave you reeling. When it’s the end of a long-term relationship, this is felt tenfold. Possessions accrued, friendships formed, memories made; it all needs to be divvied up, divided and dealt with. With all this going on, it can be hard to make a clean break and get on with your life. Well, this might help; our 5 IDEAL tips to help you get over the break up of a long-term relationship.
GIVE YOUR SPACE A MAKEOVER
Coming home to a space filled with memories cemented in coupledom can make moving on impossible. Your space needs a makeover, and pronto. You need to regroup, refocus and refresh. Start by making your living space feel yours again: invite a few friends over and paint your walls in a new colour over pizza. Re-arrange your furniture; spoil yourself if need be with that Samsung home cinema widescreen TV you always wanted.
Another place full of memories is the bedroom; an intimate space you once shared with your ex. As such, it’s essential you make it your own. Replace the sheets you once slept in together and consider sprucing your bed up with some new cushions and throws.
And if you’re suffering from sleepless nights thinking about your ex, consider making your bed as comfy as possible by investing in a new quality mattress. Restorative, replenishing sleep is just what you need right now.
TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY
Being single again is a great opportunity to take care of yourself and spend more time doing things you love – including things you’d always wanted to do but never had the time. If you are an arts and crafts kind of person, for instance, now is your time to shine: take up pottery or painting, as artsy activities are perfect for keeping you calm and happy.
If you prefer the outdoors, now is the time to join your local hiking group or go rafting. And if you have a lot of anger to take out, why not give boxing a go? The best thing about getting into a new hobby is that you also get to meet more like-minded people and expand your social circle while having fun and keeping fit.
HIT THE HIGH ROAD
Nothing helps to put things into perspective better than getting to know new faces and experiencing new places. Out of your comfort zone and out of spaces associated with your ex, you’ll be able to get some clarity and closure. Travelling solo is also a great way to learn the art of letting go, of being spontaneous – something that always comes in handy after a breakup. From hiking across Norway’s spectacular fjords to exploring street markets in Vietnam, there are many incredible places that are just perfect for solo travellers.
GET IN TOUCH WITH OLD FRIENDS
Couples sometimes tend to get too comfortable with one another and stay in their own little world, often leading to a drift away from old friends. It’s inevitable, and feels unavoidable at the time, but post-breakup, it can be embraced as an opportunity to reconnect and bond again. Not only will your friends be able to support you during this difficult time, but being out having fun is a guaranteed way to get over your ex. What is more, being with old friends will remind you of what your life used to be before your relationship – so that you can start imagining what your life can be afterwards, and also cherish how much you have grown through your time together.
KEEP THOSE THUMBS IDLE
We have become known as the ‘Tinder generation’ for good reason. Take a straw poll of how couples met and the answer is now almost always the same. It’s so commonplace and so convenient to find yourself a partner, and that’s no bad thing. The temptation after a break up is to dive straight back into the endless pool of singles for some pain relief. But that’s not always the best idea, believe us. Avoid the hard and fast rebound and just take your time. If you’re like us, a pre-emptive strike may be a good idea. Take a break from dating apps altogether; delete or ‘hide’ them for an extended period.