Breakups are never easy. Whether or not you were the person who ended the relationship, it’s natural to grieve as you would over any significant loss. Although there is no quick and easy way to heal a broken heart, there are constructive ways to cope with the ensuing anger, pain, and sadness. Here, Laurie Burns LCSW-R CGP, a relationship counselor in Rochester, NY, shares her tips for handling the negative emotions that accompany breakups. 

How to Deal With Your Breakup in a Healthy Way 

1. Get Moving

Hitting the gym or going for a hike might be the last thing you want to do following a breakup, but it’s essential to engage in physical activity. Regular exercise benefits the mind as well as the body, especially when you head outside and immerse yourself in nature. Endorphins reduce stress and anxiety, while fresh air and sunshine will help make the world feel less bleak. 

2. Pick up an Old Hobby 

Did you abandon an activity you love to make more time for the relationship? Consider picking it up again. Whether it’s writing a mystery novel, cooking your way through a favorite recipe book, or playing in a local bowling league, a hobby will take your mind off the breakup and give you something to look forward to on a regular basis. 

3. Create a Strong Support Network

Friends, loved ones, and therapists can all help when negative emotions feel overwhelming. Turn to friends and family when you need to vent, and call a relationship counselor if you need additional help working through the past and building a path forward. Within a few sessions with a therapist, you will identify the most troublesome issues and build a strong foundation for your next relationship. 

If you find yourself struggling with a breakup or any other painful experience, contact Laurie Burns LCSW-R CGP. Based in Rochester, NY, this relationship counselor and therapist will help identify the root of the problem and help you identify tools to combat negative thought cycles and build stronger relationships in the future. To learn more about her professional counseling services, visit her website or call (585) 734-6826.