Mending a Broken Heart: 8 Methods to Ease Your Pain

Dear Selfless Esteem,
How do you heal a broken heart?
Signed,
Hurting

Dear Hurting,

I’m so sorry you’re going through a difficult time in your life. I don’t know your specific circumstance, but broken hearts are usually caused by a loss, e.g., a relationship, job or health status.

Before I answer your question, I’d like to address safety. Sometimes people experiencing a broken heart have suicidal thoughts. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. There’s also a chat feature at Lifeline Chat : Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org) Of course in imminent danger, call 911. For other countries, please see this list of suicide crisis lines.

Now read on for 8 ways to ease the pain of a broken heart. 💔

1. Get Help

First of all, I recommend finding a competent therapist so you can express your thoughts and feelings confidentially. The therapist can also refer you to support groups and other professionals as needed. Additionally, if you need a crisis counselor 24/7, text HOME to 741741. See the posts, “What is Wise Counsel and Good Therapy?” and “Why You Need a Therapist ASAP” for more information about the process of therapy.

2. Express Your Feelings Through Your Creativity

Pour your heart out through something you create, such as a piece of art or a song. The following video, “Ryan’s Song” by Michael Leggio, is a heartfelt example.

4. Take Care of Yourself

Having Compassion

A way to nurse your broken heart is by treating yourself with gentle, compassionate self-love. Aubrey Johnston’s inspirational website, aubreywithgrace.com, has this welcome message on the home page: “After being diagnosed with an uncurable rare disease in college, I’ve been determined to live my life to the fullest – and help others do the same!” In her interview by Gemma Serenity Gorokhoff on the Real Talk Real Women podcast, she described how she’s intentionally been kind to herself and how she’s pursued her dreams in spite of her diagnosis.

For ideas on how to practice self-care, see the following posts:

• “6 Effective Ways to Manage Stress”
• “5 Self-Care Rituals to Practice This Summer” by Sheenia Denae of witheredblooms.com
• “A to Z Self Care Ideas to Nurture Your Wellbeing” by lifebykathleen.com.

Eating Healthy

Foods can influence your energy level and mood; thus, be sure to avoid foods that make you feel sluggish. For tips on how to develop healthy habits, see “Don’t Diet: Follow This Healthy Eating Plan Instead” by financesandmedicine.blogspot.com. And for quick, easy, and delicious recipes (including healthy ones and the occasional splurge), check out tinasrecipe.com.

Working Out

After consulting your physician, work out to increase endorphins and release dopamine. For example, Tess Bridges says running has been an effective coping skill for living with a Bipolar diagnosis. Read her motivational story in running4bipolar.blogspot.com.

Hiking has the additional perk of simultaneously enjoying nature. Furthermore, having a hiking log book is therapeutic because you can document the thoughts and emotions you have during your hikes. See “Hiker’s Log Book: What Are the Benefits” by Traci Gossi of internethousewife.com to learn more.

For more physical fitness ideas, see “20 Cardio and Strength Exercises to Add to Your Summer Fitness Routine” by riyahspeaks.com.

5. Journal

Write out your thoughts and feelings freeform. For more information, see “How To Start a Journal Practice” by lifebydeanna.com.

6. Travel

A change of scenery could do some good. Britanny McAnally’s travel blog describes her worldwide trips and includes tips for military families. For Wellness, Travel, and Recipe categories all in one blog, see 52stirs.com.

No resources to travel at this time? Live vicariously through Liv Goes Exploring YouTube Travel Channel

7. Spend Time with Pets

If you’re an animal lover, cuddle and play with your pets. Check out the Pet Zone blog for interesting articles, helpful tips, and reviews for pet owners, such as “Why Does My Cat Cross Her Paws?” and “10 Ways to Pamper Your Dog.” There’s even a section for exotic pets.

8. Draw Near to God

The Bible says, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book” (Psalm 56:8 NLT). Therefore, you can talk to God about your broken heart. (See “How To Pray in 5 Simple Steps” and “The Real Truth About God.”)

To focus more on God, listen to encouraging music, such as K-Love, and read, “Why Selfless Esteem Is Better Than Self-Esteem.” Another idea is listening to an uplifting sermon, such as “A Song of Praise from a Soul in Need” by Pastor Courtney Hall of Praise Christian Fellowship in Los Angeles.

In closing, take heart in this Bible verse about the love and peace of God in us and through us. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). ❤️‍🩹

**Depending on your circumstance, you may be interested in the following posts:

• “Want To Stop Feeling Depressed? Here’s How“
• “Can You Really Change Your Life?”
• “4 Ideas To Revive Your Marriage”
• “4 Crucial Sources of Comfort During the Grieving Process”
• “3 Essential Steps To Heal from Childhood Trauma”
• “Managing Chronic Health Problems”
• “Giving Thanks in Hard Times”
• “The Honeymoon’s Over, Now What?”
• “How To Be Happy Single”
• “Finding Hope in Difficult Times”
• “How To Avoid Resentment in a Midlife Crisis”
• “Defeat Self Criticism”
• “4 Things To Remember When You’ve Lost Interest in Old Hobbies.”

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version®. Copyright © 1984 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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