Written by: Daniel Van der Pluym, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Breaking up is hard to do. But it can be even harder when you don't know how to be alone. For many people, the thought of being single and without a partner is terrifying. It can feel like there's something wrong with you, or that you're not good enough. You may feel like you're missing out on the "real" life experience.
When you're going through a breakup, it can feel like the world is ending. All your relationships are suddenly in shambles, and you may feel like you'll never be happy again. It's natural to feel this way – after all, your life has been turned upside down. But it's important to remember that things will get better. You will get through this tough time, and you will come out stronger.
But what if I told you that being single can be one of the best things that happen to you? That learning to enjoy your own company an essential life skill? It's true! To help you through this difficult time, I've put together some tips about how to restart your life after a breakup.
These tips will help you learn how to enjoy your own company, how to regulate your emotions, and how to find new and meaningful activities to replace the ones that you lost when your relationship ended.
What is the main cause of relationship breakups?
There is no one answer to this question as every relationship is unique and therefore, the reasons behind why they end can vary greatly. However, some of the more common causes of breakups include:
Infidelity
Trust issues
Communication problems
Different goals and aspirations
Financial difficulties
Although multiple explanations exist for why relationships end, it is crucial to remember that one answer does not apply to every situation. Relationship failures vary based on the breakup reasons and partners' personalities.
What are the 5 stages of a breakup?
The 5 stages of a breakup are:
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
These stages are not always linear, and you may find yourself going back and forth between them. It's important to allow yourself to feel whatever emotions you're experiencing, Be kind to yourself while you're going through this trying time.
The impact of a relationship breakup
The impact of a relationship breakup can vary depending on the length of the relationship, the circumstances surrounding the breakup, and your coping mechanisms.
A relationship breakup can have a significant impact on your life. It can cause you to lose interest in hobbies and activities that you used to enjoy, or even question your self-worth, and it can be difficult to see yourself as an individual again. You may find yourself feeling lost and alone, and you may struggle to cope with the change in your life.
The mental health impacts
Breakups are hard, there's no doubt about it. You might feel a range of negative emotions like sadness, depression, anger, resentment, anxiety, and stress. It can be really tough to cope with a relationship ending. We get that the mental health impacts can be huge but know that they will eventually subside. The key is finding healthy coping mechanisms so that the situation doesn't take too much of a toll on you emotionally.
If the psychological fallout of your relationship's end is proving too much to handle, please don't suffer in silence – reach out for professional help. Many people can lend a hand during this difficult moment.
The common changes to everyday life
A relationship breakup can cause significant changes to your everyday life. You may feel as if everything you knew before your relationship ended may be forever altered. This could mean adjusting your lifestyle and routine to one that is a lot less stressful. Or it might mean changing your life completely, to be more comfortable with your new circumstances. These changes can include finding a new place to live, a new job, no longer having one person to rely on or confide in, but perhaps replacing that with other supports in your life. It can feel like you have to start your life over again.
These changes can be difficult to cope with, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people have gone through a similar experience and come out stronger. With time and effort, you will be able to adjust to your new life.
The post-breakup rituals and routines can help you through this tough time. There are a number of those that you can adopt to help you through this alone time. Some of them are setting aside time each day to reflect on your life and what you want for your future. It can be helpful to keep a journal to track your thoughts and emotions, spend time with friends and family who make you feel good, and doing things that make you happy, such as listening to music, reading, or spending time outdoors. Staying active and getting regular exercise can help if you are struggling to cope with your emotions.
You'll feel your emotions
It is important to accept sadness as a normal response which allows you to let go of the difficult feelings of the relationship ending. Sadness does not have to lead to depression. It is necessary to take the time to process your emotions and there is a range of strategies to help you process them, these include:
Write or journal your feelings
Self-care or self-nourishment activities for well being
Allow yourself extra mental space to feel
Engage in activities to look after your body
How to cope with a breakup?
The best way to cope with a breakup will differ from person to person. However, some general tips can be useful for everyone:
Acknowledge your feelings: It's important to give yourself time to grieve and process the loss of your relationship. Don't try to bottle up your emotions – allow yourself to feel sad, angry, and scared. It's okay to cry, and it's okay to need some time to yourself
Talk about what happened: Talking about the breakup with friends or family can be helpful. It can be a way to vent your feelings and get some support.
Seek professional help: If you're finding it difficult to cope with the breakup, seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance as you navigate this difficult time.
Be patient with yourself: The healing process takes time. Don't expect to feel better overnight. Give yourself time to grieve and adjust to your new life.
Find a hobby or activity that you enjoy: Doing something that you enjoy can help take your mind off the breakup. It can also give you a sense of purpose and help you to feel good about yourself.
Reach out to your social network: Lean on your friends and family during this difficult time. They can provide you with support and companionship.
How to rebuild your life after a breakup
Rebuilding your life after a breakup can be difficult, but it is possible. It's important to give yourself time to grieve and process the loss of your relationship. Once you've done that, you can start to focus on rebuilding your life as a single person.
Breakups are difficult, and no one knows that better than us. If a relationship is ending, it can feel like someone just ripped your heart out of your chest, which makes the process of getting over it that much harder. The good news is that breaking up is a normal part of life and you'll eventually get through it.
What is the main cause of loneliness?
There is no one answer to this question as everyone experiences loneliness differently. However, there are different ways to experience loneliness and this ranges from a temporary state to an enduring feeling. Some people may find themselves alone without being aware of it, while others may feel lonely for long periods.
How to overcome loneliness
Loneliness is common in our culture today, but there are things you can do to overcome loneliness. Reaching out to your friends and family is always a good start. Getting involved in extracurricular activities, such as sports or music, joining a club or organization, volunteering, or attending social events. Taking up a new hobby, and participating in activities that you enjoy can be very helpful for maintaining a sense of connectedness with others.
Learning to love your own company
One of the best things that you can do for yourself after a relationship breakup is to learn to love your own company. This means making an effort to spend time alone and doing things that make you happy. It can be difficult at first, but with time and effort, it is possible to enjoy your own company and create happiness as a single person.
Some of the things that you can do as stepping stones for a fresh start are taking yourself out, exploring new hobbies and interests, going on vacation by yourself, spending time in nature, and practising self-care and self-compassion. These offer a perfect opportunity to understand your point of view and to love your own company.
Learning to value your own life
Life can be enriched by engaging in meaningful activities, friendships, work, and pursuits that you are passionate about. It is important to find things in your life that bring you joy and make you feel good about yourself. These can be things that you do on your own or with others.
What does rebooting your life mean?
It is important to learn how to hit the reset button on your life. This means taking some time to assess what is important to you and what you want to change. It can be helpful to sit down and make a list of the things that you want to do differently in your life. Once you have made this list, it is important to take action and start making these changes. It may not be easy at first, but with time and effort, it is possible to create the life that you want.
Rebooting your life means taking control of the way your life unfolds. You're not waiting for a dream to come and rescue you—you have the power to create a new reality.
What does enjoying solitude mean?
Solitude is a state of being alone without feeling lonely. For some people, it may be something they have to work on and even practice in small doses. It requires putting in some effort to spend time alone doing activities that make you happy or have the potential to make you happy. Solitude is not something to fear or avoid; it should be welcomed as an opportunity for growth and reflection.
Solitude is something we are all striving for. It can be achieved with the right attitude and understanding of what you need to do to enjoy your own company. It is amazing how much happier and more fulfilled your life can become as you learn how to enjoy being alone.
How to enjoy solitude?
In today's society, it seems like everyone is always on the go and doesn't have time for themselves. However, taking some time for yourself can be incredibly beneficial. Alone time allows you to reflect on your life, focus on your thoughts and perspective, and process any emotions you may be feeling. It can also be a time of freedom where you can do whatever you want without having to worry about anyone else.
There are many ways that you can enjoy solitude, and it is important to find what works best for you. You may find that different activities work at different times in your life. The most important thing is to find what makes you happy and helps you feel connected to yourself.
The importance of taking up all the space
Most people don't set goals because they're afraid of taking up all the space. They're worried that if they achieve their goal, there will be nothing left for them. However, this is not the case. When you set a goal and achieve it, you open up new opportunities for yourself and allow yourself to grow in ways you never thought possible.
Taking up all the space does not mean conquering or destroying everything in your path. It means going after what you want with everything you have and making sure that no one can stop you from achieving your dreams. It means being unafraid to dream big and believing in yourself enough to know that anything is possible.
It means setting your sights high and working tirelessly towards your goals, regardless of what anyone else may think or say. Most importantly, it means living a life full of passion and purpose, knowing that you are capable of anything you put your mind to.
Taking up space is an important part of living a fulfilling life. It allows you to have a perspective that most people don't have the chance to have. When you take up space, you're able to set goals and achieve things that you never thought were possible. It also allows for personal growth and development as you learn more about yourself and what you're capable of.
So, if you're feeling stuck or like you're not sure what to do next in your life, take a chance and set a goal. And always remember, own your worth – don't let anyone take up too much space in your life if they're not adding value.
How to enjoy personal relationships again
It can be difficult to enjoy personal relationships again after a breakup. When you're going through the grieving process, it's hard to think about anything else but your pain. However, there are things you can do to help make the healing process a little bit easier. First and foremost, you need to give yourself time and space to heal. Don't try to rush things or force yourself into situations that don't feel comfortable for you.
Focus on spending more time with people who make you feel good about yourself. These positive relationships will help you heal and move on from your breakup.
Getting out of your comfort zone
When you're comfortable, you're not growing. You're not learning, and you're not expanding your horizons. Staying in your comfort zone is the easy thing to do, but it's also the most limiting thing you can do. It's time to get out of your comfort zone and start living a life that's full of growth and opportunity.
The first step is realizing that there's nothing wrong with being uncomfortable. It's often in those moments when we learn the most about ourselves. The second step is being grateful for the opportunities that discomfort brings. It's through these experiences that we grow and become better versions of ourselves.
And finally, take the plunge and walk into the unknown. Embrace uncertainty and allow yourself to be free from the chains of your comfort zone. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it in the end.
The benefit of seeing a life coach
Deciding to see a life coach can be one of the best decisions you ever make. Coaches can help you overcome loneliness, grief, and even relationship breakups. They provide a safe space for you to explore your past and plan for your future. Most importantly, coaches help you learn how to feel good about yourself and find happiness in your own company.
If you're feeling lost or like you're not sure what to do next, a coach can help you find clarity and direction. They can help you identify your goals and create a plan to achieve them. Coaches also provide support and encouragement when you need it most.
So, if you're ready to make a change in your life, consider seeing a life coach. It could be the best decision you ever make. Deeper Potential Coaching specialises in working with people who have experienced a relationship ending, by helping them regain their vitality, interest in life and sense of purpose.
Conclusion
Moving through a breakup is one of the most difficult experiences we go through. It can affect every aspect of your life, but it also does allow you to grow as a person.
When a relationship ends, it can be hard to move forward. You may feel like you have lost your entire world and that there will never be anything better than the time you spent with your partner. In reality, that is often not the case. If you take the time to heal and find happiness in other aspects of your life, such as hobbies and friends, then it will not feel like such a struggle to start over.
It is important to stay positive and find some perspective when you are going through a heartache-inducing experience. Many people have gone through a similar experience and were able to rebuild their lives. It is important to remember that you are not alone. If you stick around and keep your head up, there will be more than enough people out there for you to meet.
Daniel Van der Pluym, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Daniel Van der Pluym is the founder of Deeper Potential Coaching and part founder of ADHD Ambition. He is a psychotherapist, certified Life Coach and mindfulness teacher. Through his work, he focuses on helping people overcome their life challenges to create a new story of meaning and fulfilment. His work as a psychotherapist coach and part developer of ADHD Ambition is geared towards helping people overcome uncertainty and rumination, so they can live with more clarity and fulfillment.