How to Cope with a Heartbreak

Learning to cope with heartbreak after a breakup or divorce is hard, but it's essential if you're going to move on with your life. Although there aren't any cure-alls for the post-relationship blues, there are a handful of widely-accepted strategies for easing the pain. Take these steps with a grain of salt, however--recovering from heartbreak's an intensely personal affair, and you'll know what's best for you.

Instructions

1. Accept that the relationship's over. You may need specific strategies for coping with this truth, but the sooner you commit yourself to accepting it, the sooner you'll get over the heartbreak.

2. Clean your apartment or house of anything that reminds you of your ex. Even if the breakup was mutual and respectful, you'll have a hard time moving on if you're constantly reminded of how things were.

3. Avoid seeing your ex in person, if at all possible. In many cases, cutting contact with your ex is the best way to reestablish your independence and terminate your negative emotions.

4. Think as positively and optimistically as you can. It may seem impossible, but focus on the bright spots in your future and remind yourself that you've lived alone before and can do it again.

5. View the breakup as a chance to make positive changes in your life. Rely on the strength you gain from dealing with the heartbreak to achieve future successes in your life.

6. Conduct a closure ritual that officially and symbolically lays the relationship to rest. For example, consider collecting all the things you have that remind you of the relationship and ceremonially burning them. It sounds strange, but it can help you move on.