Heartbreak – we’ve all been there, and we have all survived. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, the end of an era, unachieved goals, feelings of rejection or a lingering sadness with no apparent cause, bouncing back IS possible, even it feels like contentment is out of reach. Everyone has their own way of dealing with grief, but read on for some suggestions and tips to help you on the road to acceptance and happiness.
GET SOME SLEEP
‘A cup of tea and a good night’s sleep fixes just about everything.’
That is my motto. A lack of sleep can send us on a slippery slope into sadness and depression. Improving our sleep hygiene means improving our habits so as to help encourage a good night’s sleep. This can be done by minimising screen/tech time before bed, obeying your body clock, using natural sleep aides such as chamomile tea and lavender essential oil, and improving our sleep environment (ie. redecorate your bedroom J).
SWEAT!
Exercising every day will help you not only on your way to a fit and healthy body, but to a happier and more content self. Exercise encourages feel-good hormones in the body and leaves us with a greater sense of self and fosters a positive self-image. Find a workout that works for you. It doesn’t matter if it is yoga, kickboxing, circus or football, as long as you are working up a sweat and feeling good about what you are doing, that is all that matters.
GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO GRIEVE
Whatever your reason for a heavy heart, grant yourself permission to grieve. This can be difficult to get your head around, but allowing yourself the space and time to feel the emotions you feel and mourn the loss of whatever it is that has gone from your life will allow you to release what no longer serves you and move on. Journaling, meditation and verbalising your thoughts and feelings are great ways to release yourself from the grip of heartache, let go of the past and bounce back better than ever.
HONOUR YOUR PERSONALITY
When it comes to recovering from a setback, there are definitely two main types of people – those that want to be around others and socialise, and those that wish to be alone. It is in this time that you need to honour yourself and if you feel the need to be out and about, do it! If you are more of an introvert and wish to spend this time alone and working things out solo, then by all means, take this time in solitude to figure things out. Ultimately the choice is up to you, so try not to let your choices be swayed by others if the situation will not be of benefit to your recovery.
GET CREATIVE
Some of the most beautiful pieces of art were created out of heartbreak, sadness and depression. Channelling the energy that does not serve you into a creative outlet is a great way to rid yourself of the heartache and agony you may be feeling. Painting, singing, playing an instrument, jewellery making, dancing , sculpture – you name it! Anything that requires you to think outside the box and be creative is a great form of therapy (and it’s much cheaper too!)
Understanding that heartbreak and grief are natural emotions helps us to move on from what has hurt us and create our best life from here on in. Using the tips above, you can bounce back to become the best version of yourself, embodying strength, resilience and determination
Article by Rachel Carr
Rachel is a yoga & meditation teacher, currently studying a Nutritional Medicine degree at Endeavour College here in Melbourne. She is a traveller, writer, blogger, Yogini, food lover and Mumma to a Beagle x Staffy named Stevie.
Instagram – @rachelmarieyoga