How to Move on From an Ex: 5 Steps

Discovering how to move on from an ex is never easy, no matter your age or how long you were with them. So we’ve compiled our top breakup advice to help you through this chapter. 

Even if you know this breakup the right thing for you, adjusting to life without someone who used to be such a big part of it can feel strange. 

While there’s no quick fix when it comes to healing a heart, there are certain steps you can take to help yourself move forward. 

Here’s our five-step guide on how you can move on from your breakup.

Our Advice on How to Move on From an Ex

Give yourself time to grieve 

Grief can occur after any kind of loss, whether it be a life, a job, or a relationship. It’s a vital part of the healing process. 

Everyone grieves at their own pace, and while it’s important to not mourn your relationship forever, it’s also key to be patient with yourself. Give yourself time to cry, mourn or regret. 

Bottling up your emotions won’t erase them, it’ll just delay them and delayed grief is often more complicated to manage. So listen to your heart and respect your needs.

Trust in the process and know that after every wave of grief you’re moving forward towards a new life.

Cut off contact 

When you’re going through a breakup, having your ex in your life can make moving on harder.

Of course, erasing your ex-partner from your life is easier said than done, and if you two share children or a home, it’s usually impossible. 

However, you can still take steps to minimize their involvement in your day-to-day life. 

There’s a big difference between being friendly with someone and being someone’s friend. If you’re splitting up with someone, you don’t need to be their friend, no matter the circumstances. 

Shifting your perspective on your relationship like this isn’t just helpful when you’re figuring out how to move on from an ex, it’s necessary.

So if they’re keen to remain close throughout the breakup, respectfully explain your decision to them. If you’re living together, search for a new place to live if possible. 

Perhaps in the future, you can consider a friendship, but right now you need space to focus on yourself. 

Let go of the past 

Regardless of what happened in your relationship, now is the time to forgive and let go. This means forgiving your partner for anything they said or did and it means forgiving yourself, too.

Letting go of the past like this doesn’t mean you’re ok with what happened, it just means you’re making peace with it. Forgiving someone is about bettering your life, not theirs.

If forgiveness takes awhile for you to process, that’s ok. It’s natural to feel some anger if you were mistreated. 

So allow yourself to feel all your feelings, but don’t allow them to control you or carry them with you into your future. 

If you and your partner shared a long relationship, then look at that as an achievement, not a loss. 

If you’re splitting up from an unhappy relationship, remind yourself that this breakup is necessary so that you can step into your greatness. 

What happened in the past is in the past. What matters now is that you focus your attention on yourself and what brings you joy. 

This is how to move on from an ex. Forgive so you can let go.  

Take care of yourself

Taking care of yourself after a breakup is vital. Make an effort to be kind and gentle with yourself. Don’t neglect your mind, body, and hobbies because you’re hurting, instead, do the opposite and invest in them! 

Get outside every day. Move your body. Spend time with friends. Try taking a new class or learning something new. Journal.

All these little things might not feel like they’re making a difference, but they are. They’re helping you to build a happy and full life.

Lean on your support system

Having a strong support system is fundamental when you’re figuring out how to move on from an ex. 

So don’t be afraid to lean on friends and family in this time of need. Chances are, they’ll want to help you heal. 

You don’t need to feel lonely or go through this alone. There’s no need to feel like a burden for talking about your problems. This is what friends are for. 

If you don’t have anyone you feel comfortable speaking about your breakup with, don’t worry. 

Instead, consider seeking support from a professional. Opening up to an impartial person can often feel more therapeutic than doing so with a friend. 

Navigating a breakup isn’t easy, but it’s possible. 

If you’re struggling with how to move on from an ex, know that you’re not alone.

Trust in our advice, be patient with yourself, and know your worth. A bright future lies ahead of you, all you need to do is step into it.