How to heal a broken heart?

How to heal a broken heart: Heartbreak is a universal experience that comes with intense emotional suffering and distress. While many people associate a broken heart with the end of a romantic relationship, underlines that grief is complex. The death of a loved one, loss of a job, loss or betrayal of a close friend all of these can leave you brokenhearted and feeling like your world will never be the same.

You need to understand that healing a broken heart takes time. But there are things you can do to help yourself through the healing process and save your emotional well-being.

How to heal a broken heart?

Permit yourself to grieve

Grief is not the same for everyone, and the best thing you can do for yourself is to permit yourself to feel all of your emotions including sadness, anger, loneliness, or guilt.

Sometimes by doing so, you subconsciously help those around you to feel their grief, too, and you would not feel like you’re alone in it anymore. 

Take care of yourself

When you are in heartbreak, it is easy to overlook taking care of your personal needs. But grieving is not just an emotional experience, it also drains you physically. As per the research, physical and emotional pain travels along the same pathways in the brain. Deep breathing, meditation, and exercise can be wonderful ways to preserve your energy. But don’t beat yourself up over it, either. Simply making an effort to eat healthily and staying hydrated can go a long way. 

Let people know what you need

Everyone copes with loss in their way. Be clear about whether you prefer to grieve privately, or with the support of close friends. Getting your necessities out there will save you from trying to think of something in the moment, and will allow someone who wants to support you and make your healing easier.

Also Read: How to deal with depression after a breakup?

Go outside

Spending just a few hours regularly outdoors can improve your mental and physical health. Going for a walk, or visiting some scenic views can help.

Read self-help books 

Understanding that others have gone through similar experiences and come out on the other side may help you feel less unattended.

Reading a book or listening to a podcast about your loss can also provide you with assurance and be a supportive way for you to process your emotions.

Build new habits

After giving yourself some time to grieve and care for your needs, start looking toward creating new habits and practices that can help you continue to process your loss.

Avoid suppressing the pain

Stop wasting your energy on feeling guilty about your feelings. Rather, invest that energy in making substantial efforts to feel better and heal.

Consider giving yourself some time every day to recognize and feel your sadness. By giving it some devoted attention, you may find it helpful in popping up less and less throughout your day.

Practice self-compassion

Self-compassion includes treating yourself with respect and love while avoiding judging yourself. Imagine how would you treat a close friend or family member going through a difficult time. What would you say to them? How would you support them? Note down the answers and treat yourself in the same way.