How to Move On from Your Ex When You Still Miss Them

Moving On When You Still Miss Your Ex: A Guide to Healing and Growth

Let's be real, breakups suck. It's like the universe is determined to make you feel every single emotion all at once: sadness, anger, confusion, maybe even a little bit of relief. And sometimes, even when the relationship wasn't perfect, the missing feels real, intense, and downright debilitating. You're not alone in this, my friend. It's perfectly normal to miss your ex even when you know it's over.

So, how do you move on from someone you still miss? The answer is not a quick fix, it's a journey of healing and self-discovery. But don't worry, I'm here to be your cheerleader, your therapist, and your guide through this emotional rollercoaster.

Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings

The first step is to acknowledge and accept your feelings. Don't try to bottle them up or pretend you're okay. It's okay to miss your ex! It's okay to be sad, angry, or confused. Allow yourself to feel these emotions, and don't judge yourself for them. The more you try to suppress them, the longer they will linger.

Think of your feelings as a river â€" they're flowing. Resisting the flow only makes it stronger and creates resistance within your own body. But, if you allow the feelings to flow, they can move through you and you can eventually find your way back to calmer waters.

Give Yourself Time and Space

Moving on takes time, and there's no magic number of days or weeks. Be patient with yourself. Try to refrain from comparing your healing journey to others. Everyone grieves differently, and what works for one person might not work for another. Be kind to yourself and focus on your own process.

It's also helpful to give yourself some space from your ex. This means avoiding contact as much as possible. This isn't meant to punish them or you. It's simply giving both of you time to heal and gain a sense of independence.

Unfollow them on social media, delete their number, or even remove their photos from your phone. These actions can be powerful steps towards moving on, as they help to create distance and reduce the temptation to reach out or check in.

Focus on Self-Care

When you're going through a breakup, it's easy to neglect your own needs. This is why self-care is crucial during this time.

Prioritize Your Physical Well-being

Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. A healthy body can help you feel better mentally and emotionally. Even a short walk or a few yoga poses can make a big difference.

Take Time for Yourself

Engage in activities you enjoy. Read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or take up a new hobby. This will help take your mind off of your ex and remind you of your own interests. Remember, you're not defined by your relationship. You're a whole and complete person!

Spend Time With Loved Ones

Surround yourself with supportive friends and family. Talk to them about how you're feeling. Their love and support can be a huge source of strength during this time.

Reflect and Learn

Breakups can be painful, but they can also be opportunities for growth. Take some time to reflect on what you learned from the relationship.

Ask yourself questions like:

• What worked well in the relationship?
• What didn't work?
• What did you learn about yourself?

This reflection can help you to grow as a person and avoid repeating the same mistakes in future relationships.

Shift Your Focus to the Future

Instead of dwelling on the past, focus on creating a positive future for yourself. Set goals and pursue your dreams. It can be helpful to create a vision board that includes goals, images, and affirmations of the person you want to be.

Remember, the future is full of possibilities. Don't let the pain of the past hold you back.

Challenge Negative Thoughts

It's normal to have negative thoughts after a breakup. But it's important to challenge those thoughts and replace them with more positive ones.

For example, if you find yourself thinking, "I'm never going to find anyone else," challenge that thought by reminding yourself that you're worthy of love and happiness.

Try these techniques to challenge negative thoughts:

• Write them down and rewrite them.
• Ask yourself what evidence supports the thought?
• Ask yourself what evidence contradicts the thought?

Embrace the Healing Process

Healing takes time and it's not always linear. There will be good days and bad days. Be patient with yourself and know that it's okay to have setbacks.

Celebrate your progress. Even small steps forward, like having a good day or enjoying a night out with friends, are worth celebrating.

Don't Be Afraid to Seek Professional Help

If you're struggling to move on, don't be afraid to seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance during this difficult time. They can help you to work through your emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and create a plan for moving forward.

Moving on from your ex is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way, but with time, patience, and self-care, you will heal and grow. Remember, you're not alone in this. There are people who love and support you, and you are capable of finding happiness again. Believe in yourself and keep moving forward.