Going through a breakup can leave you emotionally and physically drained. It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions from sadness to anger and betrayal, but as time goes on you'll find the pain becomes less and you can start moving on with your life and embracing the next chapter of your life. If you're ready to start making some positive changes, here are a few ways to go about it. 

Make your home feel like yours. Whether your ex partner has left the home you shared or you've moved out into a new place, create a homely atmosphere to make it feel 'yours'. Paint the walls in a colour you love, add some home accessories that fit your style, add things like candles, pictures of your friends and family and aroma diffusers with a scent that instills positivity. 

After the initial sadness stage, your best bet is to try and get yourself back out into the world and enjoy yourself if possible. Studies show that allowing friends to distract you during a breakup can relieve stress and help you stay positive about yourself. So, accept that invite to the movies, especially if it’s a comedy because laughter truly is the best medicine. Instead, surround yourself with people who bring laughter and positivity into your life. 

Breaking up with someone can trigger a slide into bad food choices. From binge-eating to hardly eating at all, breakups aren’t known for contributing to good eating habits. That said, it’s a good idea to try to eat a healthy diet during this time as it will help you feel better both physically and mentally. Eating vegetables, fruits, and healthy sources of fat and protein will give your body energy. Though we’re not saying you should gorge yourself on sweets, indulging in some dark chocolate can boost your mood, according to research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. 

Your smartphone is a powerful tool during a breakup. There’s an app for just about everything, and it’s these apps that could lead you back to the land of happiness and contentment. Look for apps like Headspace to help you clear your mind of negativity. Just be sure to allow yourself as many as six weeks before you begin exploring dating apps. When you’re ready, look for an app or method for meeting people that fits your personality and get back out there. 

Sometimes you just need to give in and have a good cry. If that’s what you feel like doing, it’s okay to get it out of your system. By letting go of your sadness and feeling your loss, you’ll make room for positivity and may even feel instantly energized. At the end of the day, everyone deals with loss differently, and you must do what feels right for you. There’s no right or wrong way to process a breakup, but the tips above can help boost your mood during this time.