Just had a break-up? Six ways to cope

Signing out on any relationship can be gut-wrenching. Your life has changed substantially and whether it's for better or worse, the stress associated has an impact on your emotional, physical, and spiritual state. Here are some tips that can help you start moving on and levelling up your life in new and exciting ways:

The ex detox

First up, you need to perform an "ex detox" to get some immediate distance. This includes unfollowing her on social networks, avoiding meeting her till you are ready to see her again in a different light, and removing remnant reminders scattered about your home. Out of sight, out of mind; even if you are holding out hope of rekindling your relationship.

Treat yourself (well)

It's crucial to understand how you treat yourself. It's easy to feel down in the dumps and worthless. That's natural, but not necessary. Sure, you should effectively process and mourn the relationship so as not to bottle up emotions, but you have to start realising the positives as well and that begins with self-love.

Don't dare to compare

Avoid the temptation to compare yourself to others. It's tempting to flip through your Facebook feed and see all the happy couples out for romantic dinners or families frolicking through the park. You see this and wonder when the same will happen for you again. But don't wallow, just focus on how getting out of a toxic relationship was the best for you.

An attitude of gratitude

One way to limit negative thoughts from spiralling is to focus on the positive. Every morning when you wake up, take cognisance of three things that you're grateful for. Treat life as a blessing. The more you positively perceive even the little things in your day to day, your lens on life will adjust to a much happier place.

Look really good

There's something about moving on from a relationship that makes you want to put your best self out there again. Get in a good routine of exercise and follow that up with a nourishing diet. Once you're lean and mean, tack on some new threads in the wardrobe that fit well and make you feel good.

Positive vibes

Surround yourself with positive people. Toxic friends that bring you down with excessive drinking/drugs or boundless negativity are not ones that will help you get back on the right track. Find like-minded people through new activities that excite you. Crossfit, paddle-boarding, improv, and meditation are all group settings that can help you align with people that are of a similar positive mindset. It becomes contagious and you can't help but step your game up.