How do I move on from a toxic relationship? How do I rebuild my self-esteem after having it destroyed? When should I put myself back out there?
Those are very interesting questions, and they’re very complex because every person is different. We all have our own ways of healing. There are also factors from specific situations that can change the recovery process.
The type of relationship also plays a big role. The best way to move on is to focus on your physical and mental health. Some solid ways to focus on your physical health is to nourish your body and get plenty of exercise. One of the top recommendations is to go on a run and put music on while enjoying the scenery. Running will release serotonin which can help improve your mood. The music aspect is phenomenal for increasing dopamine production, which helps you feel more pleasure and relieve anxiety.
Mental health is a much harder area to cover. When leaving certain relationships, you can have lingering feelings of trauma from what you went through. Mental health cannot fully be controlled, however it can be impacted both positively and negatively. Self-esteem is an aspect of mental health, one which most struggle with on some level. One thing I struggle with is motivation when I get down on myself. A great way I have learned to motivate myself is through rewards. When I accomplish a task that I have been avoiding, I reward myself with things like quality time with people I love. The biggest motivator is something attainable that you want, and then telling yourself you can not have that until after you achieve your task.
As for when you should put yourself back out there, you are really the only person that would know the answer to that. You know yourself better than anyone else, so asking me when you should get back out there is somewhat pointless. I would love to say give it two months and you will be right as rain, but I cannot because it might take you longer, or you might be ready sooner. Instead try asking yourself if you feel ready for the possibility of another similar situation happening. You will know when it’s time to get back out in the world, but I would say start soon after with little gatherings or short dates. The longer you linger on the past, the less you will believe in a better future. Not everyone will hurt you, you just need to find the right people and I know that’s easier said than done, but it can be done.
