Breakups can be gut-wrenching. No matter how strong you are or how much you saw it coming, they have a way of shaking you to your core. Your routine changes, your plans take a different turn, and sometimes, it feels like a part of your identity is wrapped up in the person you were with. It’s easy to feel lost and unsure of who you are without the relationship, but here’s the truth: you are still you.

Handling a breakup is about reclaiming your sense of self and becoming stronger and more self-aware from the situation. The journey may not be easy, but going through it without losing who you are is possible. Here are some practical steps to help you handle a breakup and rediscover yourself in the process.

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve

First things first—feel your feelings. When a relationship ends, it’s not just the loss of a person but the loss of shared dreams, future plans, and emotional investment. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or even relieved. Don’t rush through this part. There’s no fast-forward button for grief, and suppressing your emotions won’t make the pain go away; it only delays it.

Journaling can be a powerful tool at this stage. Write down what you’re feeling, no matter how messy or raw. You might find that as you express yourself, you begin to make sense of the emotions swirling inside you.

2. Set Boundaries (Especially with Your Ex)

Breakups can become complicated when boundaries aren’t clear. You might be tempted to keep checking their social media, stay friends immediately, or worse, start replaying old conversations, hoping to find answers that will never satisfy you. Stop!

It’s crucial to create emotional and physical space between you and your ex to heal. This might mean unfollowing them online or temporarily cutting off contact. It’s not about bitterness or being dramatic; it’s about protecting your peace of mind.

3. Rediscover Your Passions

Remember those things you loved before the relationship? Now’s the time to reconnect with them. Maybe you had hobbies, interests, or career goals that took a backseat during the relationship. Go back to them. Sign up for that painting class you’ve been eyeing, start working out again, or read that book you left halfway. The goal here is to rebuild the parts of you that might have been overshadowed by the relationship.

4. Lean on Your Support System

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a breakup is isolating themselves. While taking time to reflect is important, don’t cut off your friends and family. These are the people who love and know you best. They will remind you of your worth and provide comfort when you need it most.

Don’t be afraid to lean on them. Go for brunch with your best friends, have long conversations with your sibling, or let your mom give you that pep talk you didn’t know you needed. You don’t have to go through this alone.

5. Work on Your Self-Identity

It’s common to feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself in a relationship, especially if you identified strongly as part of a couple. Now is the time to rebuild your sense of self. Ask yourself some important questions: Who am I without my ex? What do I want for myself moving forward?

Create new goals, whether personal or professional. Maybe you’ve always wanted to switch careers or travel solo. Now is the time to invest in the version of yourself that doesn’t need anyone else’s approval or companionship to feel complete.

6. Prioritise Self-Care

It’s easy to neglect your physical and mental well-being during heartbreak. But now, more than ever, you need to prioritise self-care. Whether it’s something as simple as taking a long bath, getting enough sleep, or indulging in your favourite comfort food, make sure you’re treating yourself with kindness.

7. Embrace New Beginnings

A breakup isn’t the end of your story; it’s just the end of a chapter. Rather than dwelling on what’s behind you, look at this as an opportunity for a fresh start. There’s freedom in new beginnings—you have the power to rewrite your narrative, explore new opportunities, and live life on your terms. Your self-worth is not tied to a relationship status. You are whole and worthy as you are. Moving on might take time, but with each day, you’ll start to feel more like yourself again—if not an even better, wiser version.