How to get over your ex

8 July 2014 by
First published: 22 June 2014

I don’t know about you but my last break-up with my (now ex-) boyfriend didn’t go well, a torrent of harsh words, several items chucked around and of course tears, followed by evenings spent curled up on the sofa watching trashy TV with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and a bottle of wine.

Here at WHL we totally get it, breaks-ups are tough and often result in a huge sense of loss, but the key is to not fall into that trap of over obsessing because there are so many positive points to take away and most importantly you have more time for you, to do the things that you want to do and put yourself first.

So, in answer to the question ‘how to get over your ex’, here are some of  top tips to get you through it without too much ice cream!

1. Do something he hated
Did his ‘sensitive tummy’ stop you from going to your favourite Indian restaurants? Get on the phone and order that Vindaloo – extra spicy. Or what about not being able to enjoy challenges like high ropes in the tree tops because of his fear of heights? Grab a bunch of a mates and head to Go Ape. By doing something ‘not so him’ is an easy way to bring you back to yourself.

2. Challenge yourself
Always talking about doing a photography course or wanting to learn Spanish? This is the best time to stop talking and start doing. There are so many online and evening courses nowadays, that it makes enrolling easy even if you have a full-time job. Not only is this a great activity to enhance your skills but it gives you something to focus on besides him.

3. Self nurture
Life coach extraordinaire Louise Presley-Turner says that most women beat themselves up after a break up, letting themselves go because they can’t be bothered ‘to not shave their legs’ or ‘paint our nails’. Instead, she insists it is crucial to be gentle with yourself by reminding yourself you tried your best in the relationship, so take time out and look after yourself. Book yourself in for a manicure or have a spa day with the girls but most of all remember to ‘keep shaving your legs!’.

4. Don’t sweat him. Just sweat
Did you swap your yoga classes for nights in with the boy? Take a look at our favourite workouts or try a new class with a friend and make it a regular date in your diary again. Working out helps to reduce stress and tires our bodies (helping you sleep and not lie awake until 3am thinking about him), it will also get your body into tip top condition to hit the beaches this summer.

5. The dare list
Another tip from life coach Louise Presley-Turner is to create a list of things to push you out of your comfort zone and do something you wouldn’t normally do. It can be simple things such as going brunette or visiting an unusual restaurant, or you can really put yourself out there and take a city break, go bungee jumping or train for a marathon. The list gives you a goal to achieve and focus on other than him.