For many of us, breakups can be one of life’s toughest emotional challenges to move past. The experience of loss, regret, and sadness can linger for months or even years if not properly and intentionally addressed. Luckily, we have the perfect tool to bring peace, clarity, and acceptance to both the mind and body: yoga.
Yoga offers a variety of mental and physical benefits that can help you to heal from a breakup. Not only is it a great way to stay active and in tune with your body, but it is also a powerful practice that can help break through constraints so that you can move past the hurt and become your most authentic self. So, if you’re looking for help with getting over a breakup, this is the perfect place to start. Here’s how you can use yoga to get over a breakup and start feeling better in no time.
Use Your Yoga Practice as a Path to Self-Love and Self-Discovery
When it comes to getting over a breakup, one of the most important things to do is to learn to love and accept yourself again. And yoga can do just that. By using your practice to create a connection with your body, you’ll start to become more mindful and aware of your own needs and desires.
Start by simply observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Breathe through any negative emotions and take time to check in with your body. As you become more present and in tune with yourself, you’ll begin to have a deeper understanding of yourself and all your needs. This is especially helpful in breaking up, as it can help you reconnect with yourself and provide a sense of satisfaction and security that you don’t need someone else to achieve happiness.
Focus on Restorative Practices
In a regular yoga practice, it’s important to challenge yourself both mentally and physically. However, when dealing with the upset from a breakup, restorative practices can be more beneficial. By focusing on gentle stretching and deep breathing, you can help to restore balance to your body and mind.
Try out some seated yoga poses that focus on releasing and surrendering any tension or unhappiness. Consider using some simple props, like a block or bolster, to provide extra support for your body. Poses like legs up the wall, or reclined twist, are great options to practice. As you focus on being mindful and breathing through your body, you should start to feel a sense of ease and comfort.
Take Time To Reflect and Journal
If your emotions are still difficult to process and move past, try out some journaling or reflection. While it may seem intimidating or off-putting, it can be a great way to reflect on the full experience and integration period following a breakup.
Start by writing down your thoughts and emotions objectively, without judgment. This helps you to understand and acknowledge what you may be feeling in a clear and concise way. From here, start to pick out any patterns or themes in your thoughts and feelings, such as fear of abandonment or worthiness. Recognizing and addressing these feelings may help you to recognize a sense of control and agency within your own life, rather than feeling controlled in this situation.
Talk to a Professional
There’s no shame in seeking help from a professional if things feel too overwhelming. Talking about your thoughts and feelings with someone who is outside of the situation can be very helpful in moving through a breakup. A professional can help identify patterns in how you think and respond to situations, and equip you with the necessary tools to build better relationships and better understanding of your needs in the future.
Take Your Time
Above all else, it’s important to remember that emotions can’t be rushed. Take your time to process the situation and engage in practices that allow you to feel compassion and understanding towards yourself. Aim to move at your own pace, and always make sure that you’re taking time to check in with your body and listen to what it needs.
Going through a breakup can be tough, but yoga is a powerful, beneficial tool that can help you to reclaim your sense of self and find peace of mind. By using your yoga practice to focus on self-love, connecting with your body, and getting help from a professional when needed, you can learn to accept the situation and move on with a new sense of clarity.
