Breakups Hurt: How to Heal Faster Amidst a Breakup
Research on life’s most stressful events note that divorce or a breakup of a long-term relationship rank as number two amongst life’s top stressors, with being widowed as number one. Both have been linked to depression and health problems. A breakup of a marriage or romantic relationship can create a panic response in the brain exacerbating stress; stress in the body leads to lowered immune system and illness.
Moving past a breakup isn’t easy, however, it’s important to your health and well-being. There are also some ways that have been proven to support individuals in recovering from a breakup. Check out a few and see what works for you:
1. Sharing
A study out of UCLA found that talking about negative feelings after a breakup lessened the individual’s activity in pain-fielding parts of the brain. Researchers recommend sharing with friends because this causes the brain to release natural opioids, kind of like an automatic painkiller your body makes.
2. Meditation
Researchers at Johns Hopkins promote the practice of meditation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling out feelings. These activities reduce cortisol levels and other physiological stress markers.
3. Sleep
Sleep is crucial to immune function, however, depressive symptoms can interfere with sleep. Try utilizing relaxation and other mediation techniques to promote better sleep hygiene.
4. Exercise
Walking for 30 to 60 minutes per day or working out at the gym can release opioids and increase endorphin levels.
5. Imaginary Conversations
Research has shown that people who have an imaginary conversation with their partner and say goodbye to them, reported greater relief from grief than those who do not. Airing pent up feelings and issues can help in letting go and moving forward. Allowing yourself to be with and process your thoughts and feelings, though they may be painful, will allow you to move beyond them.
If you are struggling to move on after a break up, working with a therapist may help. Click here to work with a licensed counselor.