Breaking up with someone isn’t easy. Whether it’s been months or years of being together, moving on from a relationship can feel like trying to climb Mount Everest—only without the proper gear or a Sherpa. But it doesn’t have to feel like an insurmountable challenge. With a little help from some expert-backed tips, a dash of humor, and a sprinkle of inspiration, you can start your journey to break free and level up.
In this article, we’re going to talk about practical, actionable steps you can take to move on for good, feel better about yourself, and—dare we say—thrive in the process. Whether you're dealing with the heartbreak of a breakup, a tough split, or simply trying to get over someone, these tips are for you.
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings (It’s Okay to Feel Crappy)
The first step to moving on is simple: let yourself feel the feels. After all, you’re human. It’s completely normal to experience a range of emotions when a relationship ends—sadness, anger, confusion, or even relief. In fact, suppressing those emotions or pretending you’re fine when you’re not will only make things worse in the long run.
Allow yourself to grieve the end of what was, but don’t get too comfortable in the pain. Feel the sadness, cry if you need to, and let the anger out in healthy ways. But remember, just because you're feeling it doesn’t mean you need to stay stuck in it forever.
Pro tip: Write down your thoughts in a journal. It’s therapeutic and helps you process emotions without holding onto them.
2. Unfollow, Unfriend, Unsee (Yes, It’s Time)
Nothing hinders your progress more than constantly seeing your ex’s face on social media. It’s like trying to diet while standing in front of a bakery window—you can’t move on if you're constantly tempted by the old connection.
Take the plunge and unfollow or mute your ex on social media. It's not petty—it’s self-care. This helps you create space to heal and gives you the mental freedom to stop obsessing over what they're doing or who they’re with.
Real-life story: Emma spent months stalking her ex's Instagram, hoping to “accidentally” bump into him at a party. After finally unfollowing him, she realized how much mental energy she had been wasting and started focusing on herself again.
3. Make a List of Why You’re Better Off Without Them
Remember all those little quirks or habits that used to drive you up the wall? It’s time to jot them down. Making a list of why the relationship wasn’t as perfect as you once thought helps to see things in perspective. Sometimes, we romanticize the past, forgetting all the reasons why things didn’t work.
Pro tip: Revisit your list every time you get nostalgic. It’ll serve as a reminder of why you’re doing this.
4. Reclaim Your Space (Literally and Figuratively)
If you shared a space with your ex, it’s time to reclaim it. Tidy up, redecorate, or rearrange things to make it feel like your own again. This could mean throwing out the stuff that reminds you of them or simply giving your space a fresh start.
Creating a new environment can help you feel empowered and more in control of your life.
Pro tip: Fresh flowers or a cozy blanket can work wonders in transforming your space and your mood!
5. Keep Busy, But Don’t Overbook Yourself
Staying busy is a great way to keep your mind off things. Dive into a new hobby, pick up that instrument you’ve been meaning to learn, or take up yoga. Doing something productive can help you heal and rediscover parts of yourself you may have neglected.
However, don’t fall into the trap of overbooking your schedule to avoid your emotions. You need downtime too.
Pro tip: Balance is key. Give yourself moments to relax and reflect, but keep yourself active enough to stay engaged with life.
6. Surround Yourself with Positive People
It’s important to be around people who lift you up, not bring you down. Seek out friends and family who make you feel good about yourself. They can help you heal and provide perspective when you’re feeling low.
Real-life story: Sarah spent weeks hanging out with her friend group after her breakup. One evening, while venting, her friend turned to her and said, “You deserve someone who makes you feel like a priority, not an option.” That simple line helped Sarah regain her confidence and move forward.
7. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Sometimes, the best way to break free from the past is by challenging yourself to do something totally different. Whether it’s taking a solo trip, joining a new fitness class, or meeting new people, stepping out of your comfort zone will help you build new experiences and memories.
Pro tip: The more you push yourself to try new things, the less room you’ll have for old habits or thoughts that keep you stuck.
8. Treat Yourself Like a Queen (or King)
Now is the time to treat yourself the way you’ve always deserved. Book that spa day, enjoy a favorite meal, or simply take some time to pamper yourself. Moving on isn't just about cutting ties—it’s about reconnecting with yourself.
Pro tip: Indulge in something you love but never treated yourself to during the relationship. You’re worth it!
9. Get Moving (Yes, Literally)
Exercise is an excellent way to boost your mood and shake off negative feelings. Whether it's running, dancing, or even walking in nature, getting your body moving helps to release endorphins that improve your mood.
Real-life story: After a tough breakup, Jake started running to clear his head. Within a few weeks, not only did he feel more energetic, but he also met new people at his local park.
10. Embrace Your Singlehood
It’s time to embrace being single. Being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely—it means you're free! Singlehood offers the opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and self-discovery. It’s a chance to focus on what you really want and what makes you happy without the influence of someone else.
Pro tip: Try creating a “single life bucket list” with things you want to achieve while you’re solo. Make it fun!
11. Reflect on What You Learned
Every relationship teaches us something, whether it’s about love, communication, or boundaries. After a breakup, it’s important to reflect on what you’ve learned so that you don’t repeat the same mistakes.
Real-life story: After a long relationship ended, Maria reflected on her own behavior and realized she’d been neglecting her needs to please her ex. This newfound self-awareness helped her build healthier relationships moving forward.
12. Be Kind to Yourself
It's easy to be hard on yourself after a breakup. Maybe you feel like you made mistakes or wonder what went wrong. It’s important to remember that relationships involve two people. Don’t beat yourself up about things that were out of your control.
Pro tip: Write yourself a letter of forgiveness. Tell yourself what you would tell a friend who was going through the same thing.
13. Focus on Your Career or Passion Projects
Now is the time to focus on your career, business, or passion projects. Whether it’s advancing in your job, starting a new venture, or learning a new skill, channel your energy into something that excites and fulfills you.
Pro tip: Take a class, pick up a side hustle, or set a career goal that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
14. Find Your New Routine
The end of a relationship means the end of old routines. Instead of clinging to the past, create new habits and a fresh routine that reflects your current lifestyle.
Real-life story: After his breakup, Ben started waking up an hour earlier to work on his personal goals. That extra hour gave him time to focus on things he hadn’t prioritized before.
15. Avoid Rebounds (Seriously)
Rebounds might feel like an instant fix, but they rarely work in the long run. Jumping into another relationship to fill the void is just a temporary distraction. Take time to heal and discover who you are as an individual before entering into something new.
Pro tip: Be honest with yourself: are you looking for closure or just a distraction? It’s okay to be single for a while.
16. Look Forward to the Future
It’s easy to get caught up in the past, but remember—the future is full of opportunities. Whether it’s love, career, or personal growth, your best days are ahead of you. Take the lessons you’ve learned and use them to build the life you want.
Pro tip: Set a personal goal for the next six months—whether it’s traveling, learning a new skill, or simply enjoying life. Focus on what’s coming next.
Conclusion: You’ve Got This!
Moving on from a breakup is challenging, but it’s also a powerful opportunity to rediscover yourself. By embracing these tips and taking small steps every day, you’ll break free from the past and level up your life in ways you never imagined. Remember, you’re not just moving on from a relationship—you’re moving towards a better version of yourself.
Keep pushing forward, keep growing, and, most importantly, keep believing in yourself. You’ve got this!