Sometimes, people jump into difficult relationships for which they are not prepared. They do not realize that relationships take work, and that sometimes love just isn’t enough. Consequently, some relationships fail. If this happened to you, then you may have found that it took an emotional toll on your soul.
It may take months, or in some cases, years to recover from a bad relationship. With that in mind, there are several steps you can take to make the recovery process shorter, more tolerable, healthier, and over time, fun.
Work on Yourself
The key to recovering from a bad relationship is to work on yourself, for yourself. We can all be a little better every day, and it doesn’t take much effort at all. Imagine that you can adjust your daily habits so that you are just one percent better each day. You cut back on that unhealthy activity just a little bit. Or, you do just a little bit more of that healthy activity that you often avoid. In just 100 days, you will be a hundred percent better than you were previously. This is an enormous amount of change, and it can be had in small increments. So, work on yourself just a bit each day, and over time, you’ll be able to reflect on where you’ve been, and where you’re going.
Exercise More
One way that you can be better is to exercise more. It’s a common theme for people to gain weight in relationships. A little extra weight isn’t a big deal. But, obesity can impact your health, both physically and emotionally. Physically, carrying too much extra weight can lead to heart disease and other health problems.
In men, obesity can lead to low testosterone levels. In women, it can be a risk factor for cancer and strokes. On the emotional side, obesity can lead to a poor self-image. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. By contrast, when you engage in regular exercise, you can lower your body fat, while increasing your lean muscle mass and the production of healthy levels of chemicals in your body.
Enjoy Your Hobbies
Rather than dwelling on your negative feelings, try spending time on hobbies that you’ve neglected while you were in your relationship. Maybe you were into skiing or snowboarding, but your ex didn’t like the cold. Or, maybe you just never got around to taking that class on Thai cooking. You’re single now, so do the things that you haven’t had time for in the past. At some point, you may find yourself in another relationship. So take advantage of that opportunity now, while you have the chance.
Consider Medication or Holistic Remedies
Sometimes, changes in your behaviors are not enough. When this happens, it may be time to see a therapist, or a psychiatrist. They may dig deeper into helping you understand your issues, and they may prescribe medications. Some of these medications may be very helpful, though they may also have side effects. For this reason, some people choose to explore holistic remedies. CBD oil is among the most popular options, for its reported anti-anxiety effects. Another popular option is kratom, which comes from the dried leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree.
It comes in many strains, based on the color of the veins in the leaves. A popular strain is Red Indo Kratom, which people report to have similar properties to CBD for pain and anxiety relief. If you do try holistic remedies, just keep in mind that they are no substitute for drugs prescribed to you by a professional, and there is usually a lack of peer-reviewed studies. That said, many people report positive results from these plant products, so they may be worth investigating.
Keep a Wellness Journal
It can be hard to know whether you’re improving. Recovery from a bad relationship is often slow. So, keep a wellness journal. Each day, write down how you are feeling, as well as the events of your life. Did you spend time doing things that you enjoy? Are you healthier today than you were when you ended your relationship? Keep track of these things, and you can reflect on your progress over time, while you plan for a better future.
Get Started
These are just a few ideas that may help you to cope with the pain associated with the end of a bad relationship. Some of these ideas may help you, and some may not work at all. It’s up to you to determine what’s in your own best interests.
It’s also up to you to seek out help when you need it. You likely found this article as part of your self-care journey. Continue on that journey. Read more articles on this website, and connect with people in the real world. The more you focus on making yourself just a little bit better each day, the sooner you can find your way to recovery