17 Things Girls After a Breakup Can Do to Feel Better
Going through a breakup can be an emotionally challenging time for anyone. For girls, it can be particularly difficult as they deal with feelings of sadness, disappointment, and even anger.
So, how do females get over relationships? There are a number of strategies that girls, after a breakup, may use to help themselves feel better.
From self-care practices such as exercise and meditation to social support from friends and family, there are various ways in which girls can cope with the aftermath of a breakup.
So, let’s decode female behavior after a breakup and find out things girls after a breakup commonly do to feel better and discuss the potential benefits of each strategy.
What do girls usually do after a breakup?
After a breakup, girls may engage in a variety of coping strategies to help them manage their emotions and move forward.
These strategies may include seeking social support from friends and family, engaging in self-care practices such as exercise or meditation, or taking time to pursue personal interests or hobbies.
A study analyzed the impact of breakups on psychological distress and life satisfaction among 1295 unmarried 18-to 35-year-olds using a within-subjects design. Findings showed that breakups increase distress and reduce life satisfaction, with factors like cohabitation and marriage plans exacerbating declines while dating someone new mitigated them.
Sometimes, girls may also spend time reflecting on the relationship and working through their feelings after a breakup, either alone or through relationship counseling.
While each individual’s response to a breakup may differ, these strategies have been found to be helpful for many girls in coping with the emotional aftermath of a relationship ending.
17 things girls do after a breakup to feel better
Breakups can be a challenging time for anyone, and girls are no exception. In the aftermath of a breakup, girls may experience a range of emotions, from sadness and confusion to anger and hurt.
So, what to do after a breakup as a girl? Here are 15 things for girls after a breakup to feel better:
1. Allow themselves to feel the pain
One of the first things to do after a breakup is to acknowledge the pain you are feeling and allow yourself to experience the emotions. It is normal to feel sad, angry, or hurt after a breakup.
It might not be easy to answer, “How does a girl feel after a breakup?” You may need to take some time to grieve the relationship and process the emotions that come with it.
For example, you could spend some time alone, crying or talking to a trusted friend, or engaging in activities that help you express your emotions, like journaling or art.
Grady Shumway, LMHC, says
Allowing yourself to feel and process emotions is vital to healing after a breakup. Take time to acknowledge your feelings and find healthy ways to express them, such as introspection, talking with supportive friends, or engaging in creative outlets.
2. Lean on their support system
Reach out to friends and family for emotional support. Having someone to talk to can help you process your feelings and provide a sense of comfort during a difficult time.
For instance, you could plan a fun activity with your friends, like going to a movie or out for dinner. You could also call or text a close family member to talk about how you’re feeling.
3. Focus on self-care
Taking care of yourself is essential during a breakup. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy food, exercise, and do things that make you happy.
For instance, you could try yoga, go for a walk or a run, or take a relaxing bath. You could also cook your favorite meal or treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment.
When looking for an answer to “How can I get over a breakup?” make sure to remember that self-care should be your utmost priority.
4. Engage in a hobby
Hobbies can be a great way to distract yourself from the pain of a breakup and focus on something positive. Take up a new hobby or rekindle an old one that you enjoyed before the relationship.
A study evaluated three strategies—negative reappraisal, love reappraisal, and distraction—to regulate love feelings post-breakup. Negative reappraisal effectively reduced love feelings but increased unpleasantness, while distraction improved mood without changing love feelings. All strategies decreased attention toward the ex-partner, aiding recovery.
For example, you could take a dance class, learn a new language, or start painting. You could also join a book club, a sports team, or a volunteer group.
5. Write in a journal
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be an excellent way to process your emotions and gain clarity. It can also serve as a reference point for tracking progress.
For example, you could write about your feelings, memories of the relationship, or your plans for the future. You could also use your journal to set goals for yourself or brainstorm new ideas for your life.
6. Meditate
Meditation can be an effective way to calm your mind and reduce stress. It can also help you gain perspective and find inner peace.
For example, you could try a guided meditation app or find a local meditation group. You could also set aside some time each day to meditate, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
7. Seek professional help
If your emotions are overwhelming or you’re struggling to move on from the breakup, seeking professional help can be beneficial. A therapist can provide guidance and support in dealing with the aftermath of a breakup.
For instance, you could find a therapist who specializes in relationship issues or cognitive-behavioral therapy. You could also consider joining a support group for people who have experienced a breakup.
Grady Shumway adds,
If you are overwhelmed by emotions or struggling to move forward after a breakup, seeking professional help can provide valuable support and guidance. A therapist specializing in relationship issues, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or joining a support group can offer tools and perspectives to help you navigate this challenging time.
8. Take a break from social media
Social media can trigger negative emotions after a breakup. Taking a break from it can help reduce your exposure and promote self-care.
For example, you could delete social media apps from your phone for a while or limit the time you spend scrolling. You could also unfollow or block your ex and any mutual friends who may be triggering for you.
9. Indulge in self-improvement
Use the breakup as an opportunity to work on self-improvement. You can learn a new skill, take a class, or set new goals.
For example, you could take a cooking class, sign up for a language course, or start a fitness program. You could also set goals for your career, personal growth, or financial stability.
10. Travel
Traveling can be an excellent way to gain perspective, explore new places, and make new memories. It can also help you step out of your comfort zone and break free from old routines.
For instance, you could plan a solo trip to a new city or country. You could also take a road trip with friends or family or join a group tour.
11. Spend time in nature
Spending time in nature can be a great way to reduce stress and find peace. It can also help you gain perspective and reconnect with yourself.
For example, you could go for a hike, spend time at the beach, or take a camping trip. You could also practice mindfulness in nature, like observing the beauty around you or focusing on your breath.
12. Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude can help shift your mindset from negative to positive. It can also help you appreciate the good things in your life and focus on the present moment.
For example, you could make a list of things you’re grateful for each day or practice gratitude meditation. You could also express gratitude to others, like writing a thank-you note or telling someone how much you appreciate them.
13. Let go of resentment
Holding onto resentment can prevent you from moving on and finding peace. Letting go of resentment can be a decisive step in healing after a breakup.
For example, you could write a letter to your ex expressing your feelings and then burn it or rip it up as a symbolic gesture of letting go. You could also practice forgiveness and compassion towards yourself and your ex.
Watch this video where Susan Winter, a leading relationship expert and love coach, talks about how to let go of resentment toward your ex after a breakup:
14. Create a new routine
Creating a new routine can help you establish a sense of normalcy and structure in your life. It can also help you focus on the present moment and create new habits that serve you.
For example, you could establish a new morning routine that includes meditation, exercise, and a healthy breakfast. You could also create a nighttime routine that includes self-care practices like reading or taking a bath.
15. Believe in themself
Believe in your ability to heal and move on from the breakup. Trust that you have the strength and resilience to overcome this difficult time and create a happy and fulfilling life for yourself.
For example, you could repeat affirmations to yourself like “I am strong” or “I am worthy of love and happiness.” You could also visualize your future self, living a life you love and feeling confident and happy.
16. Explore creative expression
Creative activities can be incredibly therapeutic after a breakup. Engaging in creative expression can allow you to channel your emotions into something beautiful and tangible.
For instance, you might take up painting, start a DIY project, or write poetry or songs. These activities not only help you process your feelings but also boost your mood and self-esteem by accomplishing new things.
17. Plan for the future
Focusing on future aspirations can help shift your perspective from what has ended to new possibilities. Start by setting small, achievable goals that excite you, whether they involve your career, personal life, or hobbies.
Planning and visualizing your future can instill hope and motivate you to move forward. For example, you could sketch out plans for redecorating your space, pursuing a dream job, or even planning a future trip. This can help reinforce that there is much to look forward to beyond the breakup.
How much time does a girl need after a breakup?
The amount of time girls need after a breakup can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the relationship. There is no set time frame for how long it takes to heal from a breakup.
Some people may need only a few weeks, while others may take several months or even years. It’s essential to allow yourself the time and space to process your emotions and heal at your own pace.
The key is to focus on self-care, seek support when needed, and take steps to move forward in a healthy and positive way.
FAQs
Girls, after a breakup, can behave differently than boys, and it is vital to understand how they handle their intense emotions. Read these commonly asked questions to understand the female behavior after a breakup better:
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Do girls move on faster than boys?
There is no definitive answer to whether girls move on faster after a breakup than boys, as it can vary from person to person. Some studies suggest that women, after a breakup, tend to experience more emotional pain and may take longer to recover from it.
However, other research suggests that men may take longer to process the emotional impact of a breakup fully and may struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation.
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Do girls come back after a breakup?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how women deal with breakups, as it can depend on various factors, such as the reasons for the breakup, the personalities of the individuals involved, and the level of emotional attachment they have for each other.
You may wonder, “What is she thinking after a breakup?” Some girls, after a breakup, may reach out to their ex-partner to reconcile or seek closure. However, others may choose to move on and not revisit the relationship.
It’s up to you how you want to heal yourself
Girls, after a breakup, can take various steps to feel better. It’s essential to allow yourself to feel the pain, lean on your support system, focus on self-care, engage in a hobby, and seek professional help if needed.
Each of these steps can contribute to the healing process and help you move on from the breakup with strength, resilience, and confidence.
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