The holidays are here and you are newly single. No one to kiss under the mistletoe. No date for your office holiday party. Dry those tears. Here are some tips for surviving the holidays with a broken heart.
1. Enjoy Time with Your Friends and Family
Yes, you are single now, but that does not mean you aren’t loved. You don’t have to be lonely. Spend time with your parents. Go out dancing with the girls. Organize a flag football game. Get reacquainted with the people you haven’t been in touch with for a while.
Your family and closest friends were there for you before you met your ex, so don’t forget that they are there for you now and will be there for you in the future. By surrounding yourself with those who care, you will be able to stay positive.
2. Take a Trip
Why not get away for a while? There’s a reason vacations are also called escapes and getaways. A change of scenery, short or long, will give you a temporary break from unwanted reminders. Taking a trip will also help you clear your head and focus on moving forward, while having a little fun. Plus, the chances of you running into your ex while on vacation is slim to none.
3. Party! Party! Party!
The great thing about the holidays is that there’s practically a celebration around every corner. Attend your office holiday party. Say yes to your buddy’s New Year’s Eve party. Not invited to anything appealing? Why not throw your own party?
You might not be in a festive mood, but take note that millions of attached people are envious of your freedom. So go ahead. Throw back a few beer. Mingle with other singles. Have some carefree fun.
4. Schedule Some “Me” Time
Breakups are tough. You might feel fine one day and a mess the next, so be sure to make a little time to sulk. It’s OK to have a good cry every once in a while. However, be careful not to wallow in your misery for too long or isolate yourself from those who care about you.
5. Break a Sweat
Exercise is perhaps one of the best mood enhancers and stress relievers. There’s a reason, you see people happily running through rain and snow. When your heart rate rises, your brain begins to release endorphins, a chemical that produces a sense of euphoria.
Regular exercise will not only help you get out of a funk, but it will also improve your health, looks and self esteem. There’s nothing sexier than a happy, healthy and confident person.
6. Clean Your Place
Coming home to a messy place is never pleasant, whether you are newly single or not. Throw away those empty pizza boxes and put the dirty laundry in the hamper. While you’re at it, get rid of the things that remind you of your ex, like the chevron throw pillows she bought for you or the razor he left behind. Reclaim your space.
It’s also a good idea to remove some of the photos you have on display. Sure, you can keep that group picture from your best friend’s wedding, but toss that photo strip of you and your ex giving each other eskimo kisses in the photobooth last summer. Photos capture the past and you need to steer your gaze toward the future.
7. Get Productive
Focusing on school or your job is a great way to redirect your attention in a productive way. You can even find a cause you’d like to support. Whatever your goals are, you can now invest as much time and energy as you would like into achieving them. Who knows? You might even get an award or promotion out of it.
8. Give Yourself a Gift
Have you been admiring your friend’s tiki bar or eying your sister’s handbag? Use the money you would have splurged on your ex and treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting. Be as impractical as you want, as long as you stay within your holiday budget.
9. Take Time to Reflect
Re-evaluate your past relationship. Own up to your role in the breakup. Think about what you could have done to prevent and resolve unnecessary conflicts.
It is good to learn from your mistakes. However, don’t obsess over things that cannot be changed. Just remember them, so you can be a better partner in your next relationship.
10. Look Forward to the New Year
As the year ends, be thankful for what you have and leave the past behind. Challenge yourself to stay positive and prepare for the next chapter in your life.
It may be difficult at first, but time heals everything. The new year will bring new opportunities. Embrace each and every one of them.
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