For those who have experienced a breakup, it's never an easy thing. A study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences discovered that sensory areas in the brain that recognize physical pain became active after participants were instructed to view a photograph of their ex.
You may think that people may be immune to the pain since it's the 'nth' time that they've broken up with someone. The reality of the situation is that it doesn't matter if it's the first, second, or third time. It still feels the same - painful and heartbreaking.
What's the next step? Are you about to go on a drinking spree or a binge-eating session with friends? This sounds like one of those cycles that refuse to break.
This type of behavior may be expected as some people want to vent out. They think that drinking or bingeing on comfort food might help them, but these habits don't really solve anything. In fact, these habits are bound to affect your health, and it just gets worse. Idaho State University psychologist Dr. Xiaomeng Xu told i09.Gizmodo.com that it might not end well if you participate in risky behaviors.
What's the best thing to do? End this cycle.
Post-break up is the hardest phase to overcome, and it might put you in uncomfortable situations.
For example, seeing your ex can start a reaction. Visiting a place may trigger a memory and finding his or her stuff in your apartment may be the last reason you need before you breakdown.
Deal with yourself first
When you lose someone important to you, the world doesn't stop, and you start feeling that you're being left behind.
Though it appears that way, don't be pressured. Take care of yourself first and continue living at your own pace and on your own time. PopSugar talks about the healing process and tips to initiate it.
Eat properly
Breakups cause stress levels to rise, and two things may happen to you: weight gain or weight loss.
Do you feel like eating a Quarter Pounder meal or a bag of Doritos?
Think about what you're putting into your body. It's alright to eat junk food once in a while but if you notice that it's becoming a habit, stop. Daily Mail UK says that stress eating may even lead to weight gain.
On the other hand, if you've got no appetite, don't starve yourself. Go for something light like sushi or seafood pasta.
Focus on family and friends
Get out and go to the beach with your family. Spend time together and just enjoy each other's company. Psychology Today suggests that friends play a significant role in helping others recover from a breakup. Gather your friends in a cafe and talk. Ask them what's going on in their lives.
Be physically active
Sweat it out. If you're feeling frustrated, go for a run or lift weights.
Do you want to take it to the next level? Enroll yourself in a gym or dance class. Get moving. Even New York-based psychologist Suzanne Lachmann talked to HuffPost, and she suggested to focus on things that are controllable. She added that you could take this opportunity to do activities you've never done before.
Recognizing your needs is the first step. It may take some time, and that's okay.
