How to Move On From Someone You Can’t Be With (2 of 3)
2. Practice Self-Care
Taking care of yourself during emotional upheaval isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Therapist and best-selling author Nedra Glover Tawwab stresses that self-care acts as a foundation for healing, providing the stability you need to manage overwhelming emotions. Prioritize activities that nurture your body, mind, and soul.
Engaging in physical self-care is a good starting point. Ensure you’re eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Research clearly shows that a nutrient-rich diet can enhance mood and energy levels, thereby promoting emotional resilience.
Mental and emotional self-care is equally critical. Activities like yoga, meditation, or even deep-breathing exercises can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Environmental psychologist Dr. Rachel Kaplan suggests that spending time in nature improves mental clarity and lowers cortisol levels. Additionally, consider reigniting hobbies that bring you joy, whether it’s painting, reading, or gardening.
3. Limit Contact
One of the most challenging but necessary steps in healing is creating distance from the person you can’t have. Relationship counselor Terri Cole highlights the importance of setting boundaries, explaining that constant exposure to reminders of the relationship can hinder emotional recovery. Limiting contact helps reduce the temptation to dwell on what was, allowing you to focus on what lies ahead.
As a matter of practice, this might mean unfollowing them on social media or muting their updates to avoid triggering memories. It may also involve avoiding places you’re likely to encounter them. While these steps might feel drastic, they’re acts of self-protection, creating the space needed to heal.
In some cases, blocking their number or removing them from your immediate sphere might be necessary. Don’t mistake this for being spiteful; it’s all about protecting your emotional well-being. Dr. Guy Winch, author of How to Fix a Broken Heart, explains that distance allows the brain to recalibrate, reducing the intensity of emotional attachment over time.
