Let’s be real: breakups can feel like the world got flipped upside down. The pain isn’t just in your head—there’s a reason it can feel almost physical. Whether you saw it coming or got blindsided, the sense of loss, disappointment, and even anger can be overwhelming and it’s easy to feel stuck in that moment.

One thing I’ve noticed is there’s a lot of pressure to “move on” quickly, as if getting over it is as easy as snapping your fingers. But emotions don’t run on a schedule. Heartbreak is messy, and that’s perfectly normal. If you feel lost or like you’re questioning your own worth, you are definitely not alone. Many people—myself included—have been sucked into overthinking what went wrong, replaying conversations, and wondering if we’ll ever really feel ourselves again.

What helps? First and foremost, letting yourself actually feel what you feel. Bottling up those emotions only makes things harder in the long run. It’s okay to have bad days, or even a string of them. Leaning on friends is important, but so is being gentle and patient with yourself. Sometimes, just getting out of bed and taking a shower counts as a major win.

Consider exploring new hobbies, spending time outdoors, or journaling about your experience. Even something small—like a walk around the block—can break the cycle of rumination. Remember, healing isn’t linear. There are ups, downs, and detours, but you will find your footing again.

If you’re in the thick of breakup pain right now, know that you have every right to hurt and to heal at your own pace. The future isn’t out of reach—it’s just waiting for you to take your next small step.