The thing with breakups is that no matter how old you get, and how much your emotional pain threshold has expanded, they hurt. No matter whether your relationship had a label or you guys had one that remained undefined, the pain and hurt of it ending cannot be denied. Somehow, when it happens around the holiday season, the absence of the person you spoke with day and night feels a little more intense.
Maybe at the start of the year, you imagined celebrating the year-end with them. Maybe you wanted to take a vacation together when the chilly weather calls for warm cuddles. Maybe when you see couples celebrating the beautiful holiday season together, going to weddings together if not getting married themselves, it pricks just a little.
How do you survive the holidays without texting your ex or without feeling miserable through it all? Here are a few tips that will help you enjoy the beautiful festive season and embrace your newfound singlehood.
1) Self-care
According to GoodTherapy.org, self-care can help you heal from a breakup. Self-care activities such as clean eating, sleeping well and staying physically active can help expedite the healing process. Focus on healing and growth while staying clear of harmful behaviours including consuming intoxicants, self-harm and dangerously impulsive actions. Being open to the support of your loved ones will also help you recover from heartbreak with more ease.
2) Reflect on your personal growth
While a breakup can be a daunting experience that can often make one feel inadequate, you should mindfully make an effort to see the bright side. Focus on personal growth, on the lessons learnt and have faith in what lies ahead, advises GoodTherapy.org. Instead of crying over spilt milk, reflect on what went wrong, so you approach your next relationship, equipped with knowledge and lessons that can help it flourish—or help you stay clear of the red flags.
3) Don’t sign up for third-wheeling
Unless you are completely okay with it, do not make plans to third-wheel with your bestie and her bae. As much as they want you to go with them to take your mind off things, it may end up doing the opposite. It may make you miss your ex, crave a partnership and feel lonelier.
4) Plan your social life
Instead of sulking through the holidays looking at the plans you had made with your ex that now remain cancelled, re-organise your social calendar. Plan your social life, catch up with your friends, spend time with family and meet those people you couldn’t stay in touch with for a while. Meeting people who make you happy, might as well make you happy and heal you.
5) Spend time alone
While spending time with your loved ones is a great idea, so is spending time with yourself. Embrace the free time you have. Reflect on your life, pamper yourself at a salon, go for an activity you always wanted to try, chill at a café by yourself—do anything and everything that rejuvenates you. Nobody said the holiday season hates the bliss of some good ol’ solitude.
Also Read: How Holidays Affect Our Relationships And Dating Life