How to Stop Crying over Him: 7 Things That Won't Help You Get over a Breakup

By Holly • Apr 8, 2015 MD

Whether you're going through a painful breakup or dealing with your crush getting a girlfriend, finding out how to stop crying after a breakup and finding a healthy outlet for your emotions can feel overwhelming. When you feel brokenhearted and wonder why you can't stop crying over him, it's all too easy for unhelpful habits to take over. If you're constantly asking yourself why you keep crying over your ex or feeling like you can't get over him, turning to negative coping mechanisms will only prolong the heartache. Here are seven things that just won't help you stop crying over a guy and move forward:

| Unhelpful Coping Habit | Why It Backfires | Healthy Alternative | | --- | --- | --- | | Emotional Overeating | Increases guilt & sluggishness | Light exercise & mindful nourishment | | Endless Sad Media | Reinforces heartache & nostalgia | Engaging hobbies & uplifting comedy | | Social Media Stalking | Triggers constant comparison | Digital detox & boundary setting |

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

1. Binge Eating

Despite what you've seen on sitcoms, digging through a full tub of Ben & Jerry's won't bring true emotional relief. Your stomach and your heart aren't actually connected, so filling up your tummy won't heal the pain you feel inside. If anything, overeating will make you feel worse physically and mentally. Instead of resorting to emotional binge eating, try going for a walk or trying a workout routine to get your mind off of him. Moving your body is a much healthier outlet that boosts your mood naturally.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

2. Excessive Crying

It’s completely okay to cry for a few days or even weeks when processing heavy emotions—allowing yourself to grieve is a natural part of healing. However, if you are wondering how to stop crying over a breakup so that sadness doesn't become a permanent state, you have to break the cycle. There's no sense in ruining your makeup over someone who isn't prioritizing you. Instead of focusing on how upset you are that he got away, shift your focus to how lucky you are to be single with so many new opportunities and potential partners waiting for you.

When you feel an outburst of tears coming on, try these quick grounding actions:

  • Take five slow, deep breaths to steady your nervous system.
  • Splash cool water on your face to break the emotional loop.
  • Reach out to a supportive friend who makes you laugh.
Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

3. Closing Yourself off

After you get your heart broken, it's easy to close yourself off to everyone in your life. You might think you can't get hurt again if you don't let anyone in, but isolating yourself will only leave you feeling lonelier. The only way you'll truly get over him is if you allow yourself to keep living your life without him. Don't punish your friends, family, and future love interests for something your ex did wrong. Rebuilding connection is key, rather than resorting to checking his social media or shutting out the world.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

4. Sappy Movies and Music

Turn off The Notebook and skip melancholic songs by artists like Drake for a while. You don't need to torture yourself by listening to stories about happy couples or dramatic heartbreak anthems. While you're hurting, steer clear of romantic media entirely and focus on other uplifting things in life, like spending time outdoors, discovering new hobbies, or hanging out with pets.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

If you're looking to engage your partner in intriguing conversations, why not try some hypothetical questions for couples? These fun queries will not only keep the conversation lively but also stimulate deep thoughts and potentially reveal insights about each other's personality and thought processes.

5. Checking His FB Status

Resist the urge to check his Facebook or Twitter pages, hoping he will post a vague status about missing you. If he truly missed you, he would reach out directly. Scrolling through his updates and photos will only keep old wounds open and trigger the same feelings that lead to excessive crying. Do yourself a massive favor: mute, unfollow, or block his profiles so you can give yourself room to heal.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

6. Getting Revenge

Egging his car or spreading gossip won't give you the lasting satisfaction you think it will. Sure, it might feel tempting for a brief minute, but afterwards, you'll go right back to feeling miserable. Don't stoop to his level or try to get revenge, because you won't like the person you become in the process. Channeling your energy into self-improvement is always the best response.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

7. Hurting Yourself

Never hurt yourself physically or emotionally. There is no place for self-harm or harsh self-criticism during a breakup. You are a valuable, amazing person whether or not he recognizes it. Your self-worth is never determined by a partner or a relationship status. Stop focusing on finding love elsewhere and start focusing on loving and respecting yourself. If you are struggling with emotional isolation, remember that closing yourself off from support will only make things harder, so lean on trusted loved ones or professional help when needed.

You can't take shortcuts when learning how to stop crying over him and getting over a breakup. When you care deeply about someone, it takes time to adjust to life on your own. Rest assured that healing will happen eventually, so don't stress yourself out trying to speed up the process. What healthy habits usually help you get over someone?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • insomniac

    2015-04-08T17:08:57.929Z

    Have a good night out with the girls, friends always see you through a break up :-)
  • Celene

    2015-04-09T05:05:49.275Z

    #7 words of wisdom
  • Emmarachelmay

    2015-04-08T22:32:39.364Z

    Thanks so much for this post. This is so relevant to me right now. Most days I feel so worthless and humiliated because the guy I loved left me for someone else but i know I'm better off with him so thank you x
  • NaiNai

    2015-04-09T18:11:23.717Z

    Really great Advice, was dumped on Sunday. today was the first day I'm not crying as much or that sad! thank you.x
  • Marianeirene

    2015-05-22T00:19:29.240Z

    love the drake part LOL!!
  • Aimeelouise10

    2015-04-11T07:34:45.566Z

    Ditto Jaklyn - I didn't lose my job but we had a friendship group together and that's now gone. He was telling me on Friday he couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with me and then when I caught him out on a lie he finished with me. I feel like my best friend has been removed from my life forever :(
  • Judy

    2021-08-31T03:02:20.732Z

    I hope you all find the right person at the right time and that will love you for who you are, keep smiling!
  • Jacklyn

    2015-04-09T21:30:13.782Z

    I just got dumped last Tuesday and he was a family member of one of the bosses so I lost my job too. I feel so down on myself and even though he ruined my life I still miss the loser! I'm going to try to follow these tips but it feels helpless. 2 major aspects of my life and happiness were just yanked away from me out of nowhere...
  • Cindy

    2015-04-08T18:40:41.009Z

    I focus on my favourite hobbies and podcasts, and tes getting out with friends does help a lot. But true face the pain, you can't outrun it. To lose someone you truly love is not easy, the hardest is to get used to look at your future without them, and once you can see a future by filling the gap he has left, you will be okay
  • Pamy_Dee

    2015-04-08T19:04:08.731Z

    Number 5 Gosh! Like I am so proud of myself for kinda stop doing it (well for now) 😞
Commenting as
Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Allwomenstalk app icon

Don't Miss the Latest Version

Get the latest stories, save favorites, and share with friends — all in one place.

New Earn badges & level up while you read

Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.

Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.

  • 🔥
    Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
  • 🏅
    Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
  • ⚡️
    Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.

It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.

10,000+ badges earned last month

Level

3

Streak

7 🔥

XP420 / 700

Badges

🔥 On a Roll
📖 Reader I
📣 Socialite

Trending products

Other Cool Reads

Related Topics

What Your BF Should Know about Your Exes ... loreal riche stylo conquest Things to Take Your Mind off Your Heartbreak ... how to get out of a bad relationship what does no love lost mean How to Move on from a Broken Heart and Become Stro... signs you shouldn't break up The Positive Things about Getting Dumped ... my ex is bashing me on facebook The 7 plus Sides to Life after a Breakup ...
Featured article image