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

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 |

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Likes, comments and replies are available on the full version.

View full article & comments →