Valentine’s Day is traditionally known as a celebration of love and connection, but for those going through a recent breakup, it can be a difficult and emotional time. With feelings of loneliness, sadness, and anger, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and there are ways to rewrite the script and take control of your own narrative.
Malminder Gill, a celebrity hypnotherapist and therapist, shares her expertise on navigating through heartbreak, stating, “As a therapist, I have helped many people overcome heartbreak, including myself. It can be a challenging period in our lives, but we can navigate these feelings with strategies that build self-compassion and emotional resilience.”
One way to reframe Valentine’s Day is to consider it as an opportunity to celebrate other forms of love, such as self-love and appreciation for friends and family. Gill suggests, “On any given day, you are in control of honoring what is important to you and your needs.” This can be as simple as planning a self-care day filled with activities you enjoy, such as watching your favorite film, cooking a comforting meal, or indulging in a spa day.
It’s also important to acknowledge and process your feelings. It’s natural to experience a mix of emotions after a breakup, and suppressing them can prolong the healing process. Instead, give yourself permission to feel all the emotions. Gill recommends journaling or simply sitting with your emotions and allowing them to be expressed within your body. She says, “Let out whatever comes up.”
Healing takes time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Gill reminds us that Valentine’s Day is just one day and does not define your worth or future happiness. She suggests celebrating small wins, such as going a day without thinking about your ex or discovering a new hobby that brings you joy. Writing these wins down can also help track your progress.
Limiting social media use can also be beneficial during this time. Scrolling through social media and seeing posts of happy couples or your ex can be triggering. Gill advises taking a break from social media for the day or even putting your phone and computer away and focusing on being present with yourself or others.
Connecting with supportive people can also combat feelings of loneliness. Gill recommends reaching out to friends or family who can offer comfort and distraction. Spending time with people who care about you can remind you that you are not alone and that love exists in many forms.
Shifting your focus to gratitude can also help reframe negative thoughts. Gill suggests writing down three things you are grateful for each day, no matter how small. Closing your eyes and feeling the gratitude rise within your body can also be a powerful exercise.
Seeking professional support may also be necessary if feelings of sadness or hopelessness persist. Gill advises researching mental health providers or online therapy options, as taking the step to seek help can bring immediate relief knowing someone is there to support you.
Overall, if you are healing from a breakup, Valentine’s Day can be an opportunity to practice self-love and focus on personal growth. By prioritizing your well-being and taking steps to nurture your mental health, you can embrace this day with strength and confidence. As Gill reminds us, “Putting yourself first is empowering. You are deserving of love, most especially from yourself.”