The person who originally said “it is better to have

loved and lost, than never have loved at all” better not catch us in these

streets. What is so great about heartache and pain? Who said it was noble to be

hurt and then bury it beneath a gallon of ice cream?

A broken heart may eventually heal but the process is

no joke; oftentimes you cannot get the memories out of your mind despite your

best efforts.

Friends and family may tell you to shake it off and

move on with your life but this is usually easier said than done, especially if

the love was deep-seeded and if the relationship lasted years.

However, there are some steps that may not make it one

hundred per cent better but over time should at least allow you to sleep at

night.

1. Stop

following them on social media: Who needs to see them smiling and enjoying

life just fine without you? Do not torture yourself.

2. Remove their

photographs from your presence, especially your phone: Please to take down

that huge portrait you have of them hanging above your bed. Like seriously?

3. Avoid

frequenting you visited together: Stop going there and walking down memory

lane like it’s the yellow brick road. Find a new lane and stay in it.

4. Start

working out: Release some happy endorphins and begin to feel good about

yourself again. Also, nothing says “Over it!” like being in the best shape of

your life.

5. Do not stay

home and brood: We will observer the required period of mourning but go out

with good friends and create new memories. It will definitely help ease your

mind.

6. Take up a hobby, preferably one that has nothing at

all to do with your ex.

7. Refresh your

look: Nothing drastic or extreme like plastic surgery, but you can change

your hair style or colour and step out with renewed confidence

8. Re-arrange

your furniture: It sounds simple but looking at the space the person loved to

occupy or staring at their favourite chair is not doing you any good. Re-paint,

rearrange and renew.

9. Get rid of

the clothes and shoes they left behind: For heaven sake, do not lie in bed

smelling perfume/cologne. Donate it all to the Salvation Army where it can do

some good.

10. Get

counselling: Breakups can be hard, it helps to talk to someone who may have

a fresh perspective and is equipped to advise you.