A broken heart can feel like the end of the world. It’s a pain that seeps into every aspect of your life, making everything seem a little less bright.
But what if I told you that there are ways to mend your broken heart faster? Based on psychology, there are specific strategies that can help you move forward.
In this article, I’m going to share these tricks with you. These strategies will not only help you heal, but they will also enable you to come back stronger.
So, get ready, it’s time to take control of the healing process and get over a broken heart faster than you ever thought possible.
1) Acceptance
The first step towards healing a broken heart, according to psychology, is acceptance.
As humans, it’s natural to be in denial when we’re experiencing pain or loss. It’s easier to pretend that it didn’t happen or that things will soon go back to the way they were.
But here’s the thing – clinging to the past only prolongs the pain. Acceptance, on the other hand, helps you acknowledge the reality of your situation.
By accepting your feelings and the reality of the breakup, you’re not trying to fight or suppress your emotions, which can often lead to more distress.
Allow yourself to feel the pain, acknowledge your loss, and accept your current state. True healing can only begin with acceptance.
Remember, acceptance doesn’t mean you’re okay with what happened; it simply means you’re ready to take steps toward healing. That’s a powerful starting point.
2) Social Support
In my own experience, relying on a social support network is one of the most effective ways to get over a broken heart quickly.
When I went through a particularly difficult breakup, I felt isolated and alone. The loneliness seemed to magnify the pain, and I felt trapped in my emotional turmoil.
But then, I reached out to my friends and family. I expressed my feelings and shared my pain, and their support was healing.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your loved ones. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a mental health professional — their support can provide you with the emotional strength you need to heal. Trust me, it works wonders.
3) Physical Activity
Engaging in regular physical activity can be a great way to cope with a broken heart. Exercise releases endorphins, your body’s natural mood enhancers, which can help reduce feelings of sadness and depression.
A study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduced your risk of major depression by 26%.
Not only does engaging in physical activity help distract you from your pain, but it also boosts your mood and aids in the healing process. It’s like killing two birds with one stone — you’re mending your broken heart and staying fit at the same time.
4) Self-Care
It’s easy to neglect your own needs when you’re dealing with a broken heart. However prioritizing self-care can do wonders for your well-being during this time.
Self-care involves taking intentional steps to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health.
It can be as simple as making sure you’re eating well and getting enough sleep, or it can involve activities you enjoy and that make you feel good about yourself.
Psychologists claim that self-care isn’t just about pampering; it’s about self-preservation. It’s about refueling yourself instead of letting your energy run out.
So, make time to take a hot shower, read that book you’ve been putting off, go for a walk in nature, or simply relax with your favorite movie.
5) Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a psychological process that involves directing your attention to the present moment. It’s about experiencing the world in real time, without being distracted by thoughts about the past or worries about the future.
This practice can be especially helpful when you’re dealing with a broken heart. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong or what could have happened, mindfulness encourages you to accept your current state and focus on the present.
There are a variety of ways to practice mindfulness, including meditation, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises.
Practicing mindfulness regularly can reduce stress and improve mental health, making it a powerful tool for healing a broken heart.
Allow yourself to experience your feelings without judgment. Over time, mindfulness can help you develop a new perspective on your broken heart and promote healing.
6) Allow yourself to grieve
This may seem counterintuitive when you’re trying to get over a broken heart quickly, but it’s an essential step.
A broken heart is a form of loss. It’s the end of a big part of your life, and it’s perfectly normal to grieve.
Allowing yourself to grieve doesn’t mean wallowing in self-pity; it means acknowledging your feelings and permitting yourself to feel the pain.
It’s about letting yourself cry when you need to, grieving the end of a relationship, and feeling the emptiness that comes with it.
I know it’s hard. But remember, it’s okay to not be okay. You’re human, and it’s okay to feel pain. You’re not weak for grief; you’re simply processing your feelings.
Psychologists say that grief isn’t a linear process—it comes in waves. Some days will be better than others. But each wave you go through brings you one step closer to healing.
7) Journaling
When I was dealing with my grief, I found solace in writing. Putting pen to paper and pouring out my thoughts and feelings helped me better understand and process my emotions.
Journaling is a therapeutic tool that allows you to express your feelings freely. It’s like having a personal, non-judgmental space where you can vent, reflect, and even cry if you need to.
Research in the field of psychology backs this up. Studies have shown that expressive writing can lead to significant improvements in both physical and mental health.
So grab a notebook, find a quiet place, and just write. Write about your pain, hopes, fears, and dreams. Write without censoring yourself. You may be surprised at how much it affects you.
8) Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, grief can be overwhelming, and it’s okay to seek help. If your feelings of grief persist or you find it difficult to do everyday activities, it may be time to consult a mental health professional.
Therapists and counselors are trained to help you process your feelings and provide you with coping strategies.
They can provide a safe space for you to express your feelings and guide you toward healing.
Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, but a step toward recovery. It shows your determination to heal and move forward.
9) Time
The most important factor in healing a broken heart is time. No matter how painful you are right now, time has a way of healing all wounds.
It’s important to understand that healing is not an overnight process. It takes time to recover from the pain and disappointment of a broken relationship.
But with each passing day, the pain will lessen, and eventually, you’ll find yourself moving forward.
Be patient with yourself. Give yourself the time you need to heal. The storm may be fierce right now, but remember, even the worst storms pass.
And when it does, you will come out stronger on the other side.
Final Thoughts: Healing Is a Journey
The path to healing from a broken heart is very personal and varies from person to person. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s okay to take your time.
According to renowned psychologist Guy Winch, “A broken heart is a complex psychological injury. It requires more than simple solutions like ‘go to the gym’ or ‘book a flight’—it requires emotional care and attention.”
Remember that it’s okay to feel pain, grieve your loss, and mourn your loss. You are not alone in this journey, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
While it may not feel like it right now, remember that with time, you will heal. You will grow from this experience and emerge stronger.
So, as you work your way through your healing, remember that every step you take, no matter how small, is a step toward recovery.
You are stronger than you think, and this too shall pass.
