13 Ways That Work To Stop Thinking About Your Ex
1. No contact
If you are looking for answers to questions like “how to stop thinking about what your ex is doing” then this is the answer for you. No contact is one of the best strategies to stop thinking about your ex. This requires cutting off contact with your ex through social media, text messages, and phone conversations.
The no contact rule can be a challenge, especially if you’re in a committed relationship or have mutual friends. But it’s necessary for your healing process because, after all, they’re your ex for a reason. So there is no point in maintaining contact with them. Here are some tips on how to stop thinking about your ex during no contact:
- Don’t snoop on their social media accounts, wondering how they’re doing or if they’re in a new relationship
- Obsessing about your ex will get you nowhere. Make peace with the fact that you two broke up
- Your mental health is a top priority. Seeing your ex living their life without you will only make you lose your peace
2. Interact with family and friends
Oh the urge to send that “I can’t stop thinking about you” text to your ex at 2 a.m. You know as well as we do that it’s unhealthy and won’t get you anywhere. The best way to fight these longings and stop thinking about someone you once loved deeply is to be with your loved ones and lean on them for support.
Sure, spending a fun day at the beach with family and friends or playing your favorite board game won’t get your ex out of your system right away. But these gentle moments will help you see that you cannot just survive but thrive without your ex. By surrounding yourself with people who love and care about you, you can remind yourself that you are not alone.
3. Find a new hobby
If you’re confused about how to stop obsessing about someone, taking up a new hobby can be a terrible distraction. This may involve learning a new skill, such as a language or sport. Maybe, along the way, you discover you’re a really good writer or incredibly healthy, who knows?
A new pastime can help you create new memories and absorb new experiences while giving you something to focus on. Jyoti suggests some unique hobbies to help you get over your ex and help you return to a healthier state of mind:
- Take up a new sport, such as rock climbing, surfing, or hiking
- Learn how to cook a new dish
- Learn a new skill, like painting, photography, or woodworking
- Volunteer at a local organization or animal shelter
- Join a new club or community group, such as a book club, hiking group, or chess club
- Practice meditation or yoga to focus on self-care and mental health
- Sign up for a dance class or pick up a new dance style
- Start a new creative project, like writing a novel or composing music
4. Write about how you feel
Sometimes nothing can help you feel the myriad of emotions that feel better than letting them flow on paper. Writing is a great approach to process your thoughts and emotions. Maybe write a letter to your ex, telling them all the things you would have said to their face. You don’t need to email them. Simply conveying your thoughts can get you one step closer to the ending you seek.
According to research, expressive writing provides a convenient method for individuals to confront and resolve unresolved emotions and thoughts related to stressful events. Whether you enjoy journaling or blogging, writing and note-taking are healthy habits and can support effective emotional expression.
5. Focus on your physical health
Just like your mental health, it’s easy to ignore your physical health when you’re going through a breakup. However, one of the most effective methods to stop thinking about your ex is to take care of your body. You may ask how I will care for my body. Here’s how:
- Exercise: Endorphins are released through exercise, which is a great way to improve your quality of life.
- Diet: A nutritious diet can also help you feel more energetic and improve your overall health.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night as it can improve energy levels, mood and cognitive function
- Participate in outdoor activities: Spending time in nature can improve mood, reduce stress and increase physical activity levels
- Take care of your hygiene: Regular grooming and self-care habits such as bathing, brushing your teeth and brushing your hair can improve self-esteem and overall physical health
6. Take responsibility for your emotions
It may be simple to blame your ex for the emotional turmoil you’re experiencing, but it’s important to take responsibility for them. Remember that only you have the right to decide your thoughts and feelings. You can learn to let go of the past and move on by mastering your emotions. If you’re wondering how to stop thinking about your ex after many years, taking control of your emotions can be a good approach.
7. Remember that time heals
Although it may be difficult to accept, time truly heals all wounds. Although the pain of a breakup may seem unbearable and your mind is filled with obsessive thoughts, this phase will pass. Remind yourself that you will recover from this experience and become stronger and happier. Ultimately, time will teach you how to move on from a relationship.
8. Get professional help
If you’re having trouble letting go of your ex and stopping thinking about them, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A relationship counselor or therapist can provide you with emotional support and help you handle your emotions better. They can also help you learn techniques for moving forward after a relationship.
9. Let yourself love again
It may sound paradoxical, but finding a new partner and starting a new relationship can be a great answer to getting over your ex. The presence of a new partner can serve as a reminder that you are attractive to others. After a period of regretting your relationship, consider going back to dating instead of wallowing in your ex.
10. Create fresh memories
Erasing your past memories of your ex and creating new ones can help erase old memories that make you think about your ex. You can do this by going on a trip, signing up for a course or simply hanging out with friends. If you are stuck on questions like “how to stop thinking about your ex after many years”, then it is likely that you have put your life on hold since the breakup. It’s time to change that with a conscious effort to create new memories and open yourself up to new experiences.
11. Learn new skills
Learning new skills can be a good way to distract your ex. Your self-esteem and confidence can both benefit from it. This could involve anything from taking a cooking class to learning a new language. Go ahead and explore skills like:
- Public speaking
- Calligraphy
- Photography
- Learn a new language
- Mandala art or resin art
- Basic video editing skills
- Content creation
12. Spend time alone
You ask why I can’t forget my ex? The only way to find the answer to this question is through serious introspection. To do that, you need to understand yourself and understand your emotions by spending time alone. “It’s important to stay busy after a breakup so you don’t wallow in your sadness and loneliness,” says Jyoti. But it’s equally important that you can be alone and find peace in that experience.”
Get over a breakup alone by taking some time to enjoy yourself and remember how important you are. Being in your own company can be a great answer to stop thinking about what your ex is doing.
13. Remember that your ex is in the past
Still wondering, how to stop thinking about your ex-girlfriend/ex-boyfriend? It is essential to remember that your ex is now in the past. Remember, they are your ex for a reason and you should stop caring about them right now. Remind yourself that you deserve to be happy and that there is someone out there who is better suited for you.