It’s Over, Now What? 16 Things to Change After a Breakup

It’s Over, Now What? 16 Things to Change After a Breakup iStock

Breakups can be hard, but they’re also an opportunity to make some positive changes in your life. From your physical self to how you feel when you strut your stuff down the street, reinventing yourself after a breakup can be a thrilling way to start off a new chapter in your life! So what should you be changing?

  1. Your hair. Did you know that on average, a woman has 104 different hairstyles in her lifetime? Changing your hair, even if it’s just a little bit, can drastically alter your appearance and give your confidence a boost. Plus, now that he-who-shall-not-be-named is out of the door, it’s time to indulge in those bangs you’ve always wanted that he couldn’t stand!
  2. Your favorite music artists. It’s inevitable that after spending so much time together, your taste in music’s going to blend in some shape or form. There’s always that song that you both secretly loved, or the album he introduced you to that’ll always remind you of him. There’s nothing you can really do about that, but why not try out some new tunes? Broadening your horizons can help you create memories and associations with songs that are all your own.
  3. Your sense of style. That’s not to say that you should change your entire approach to fashion after a breakup. However, it’s always a good time to widen your scope. Never wear form fitting dresses? Now’s the time to flaunt those curves! Do you tend to keep your clothes neat and pressed? Go for some grungy, looser clothing. Whatever you do, try to have some fun and change things up a bit.
  4. Your makeup. Not all of us wear makeup, and that’s fine. But for those of us who do, a breakup can be a great opportunity to try new products and change up our tried and true techniques to incorporate some new ones. It’s easy to get a little repetitive with your makeup, especially with someone at home already. I mean, who are you trying to impress? Now you can mix it up a bit.
  5. Your bedding. You shared those sheets – and some very sexy times – with your ex. Nobody needs flashbacks of that one time you guys… nope. Not going there. Get rid of the bedding. Either give it a wash and donate it to your local charity shop or throw it away. New bed, new you.
  6. Your home decor. There’s a certain way a couple – especially ones that live together – keep their living spaces. There’s a side for you, and a side for him. Now it’s all yours again – embrace it! Slap on a new coat of paint and some fun posters, rearrange the furniture, and you’ve got yourself a whole new just-you sanctuary.
  7. Your relationship mojo. Right, so that didn’t work out — let’s go back to the drawing board and figure out why. It’s fine to make mistakes, break up and feel a little bit lost – these are important life lessons. So take the opportunity to learn from them and move on. When you’re ready to start dating again, you’ll be better than ever.
  8. Socializing habits. When you’re in a relationship, you tend to stay in more and more. You don’t have to start hitting the clubs every weekend, but why not make more of an effort to go to coffee with your friends? Make new memories while forgetting the old painful ones.
  9. Your phone number. It’s not always necessary, but sometimes it’s easier to just change your number than it is to ignore your ex’s texts and phone calls. Plus, changing your phone number is a great way to weed out some old contacts that you don’t keep in touch with anymore and focus on the ones that you do.
  10. Your p*rn-watching habits. Women watch p*rn too and we like it. How about indulging in it a little bit more? Curious about something? There’s a website for that, no doubt. Being single is a great time to explore your sexuality and figure out what you might like in a future relationship.
  11. Your photos. Self-explanatory enough. Get your selfie on. Taking pictures of yourself when you’re feeling particularly hot is a great confidence boost and reminds you that, you know what? You’re hotter than you think.
  12. Your hobbies. Got a lot of free time now and getting bored of sitting in front of the TV with your pile of knitting? Change up your hobbies – why not start painting again? And hey, didn’t you always say you’ve always wanted to grow your own herbs?
  13. Your diary. Breakups usually are a sign that one chapter of your life is ending and you’re moving on to the next. It might be a little literal, but you should turn the pages of a new journal, as well. Writing is a great way to get things out of your head and lighten your load. Not sure where to start? Try morning pages!
  14. Your perfume. Smells create super strong psychological bonds to events and people for us, so it’s not surprise that we’ve attached such strong memories and emotions to that perfume. Best make the switch from the one he bought you last Christmas.
  15. Your workout Routine. A lot of couples work out together – it’s a great way to get motivated! But now that you’re single, it’s time to switch things up a bit. Choose exercises that make you feel powerful and confident! Why not take on some strength training?
  16. Your attitude. Always rolled your eyes at self-help books and thought those TED talks were just a little too corny? Yeah, well, crap has finally hit the fan and there’s nothing like a good change in attitude to get you out of your funk.
Sarah is a full-time content marketer, part-time freelancer. She’s a serial hobbyist (which just means that she does a lot of random things, but none of them particularly well). Her real talent lies in her ability to consume copious amounts of wine, whilst discussing feminism and reading A Song of Ice and Fire for the 8th time... All while saving puppies from burning houses, of course. You can see more of her work here, or pop over to Twitter and say “‘ello ‘ello” @daughterdipstik
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