The Nurturing Well by:
Jill Starbuck
Broken hearts happen daily for a variety of reasons. Whether through death, rejection, broken trust, or simply falling out of love, a broken heart is one of the most painful experiences in our lives. Our hearts literally feel like they are falling apart, scattering pieces everywhere. When we try to put it all back together, a piece of us is missing, never to be the same. We ache with a fervor that we’ve never known and it feels like we can’t possibly overcome it. We experience a huge emptiness that we wonder if we can fill again. Nobody can even come close to explaining how we feel during this time. We long for what once was.
However, in time, we do overcome our broken hearts. For some, it takes longer than others. We all become a little different after experiencing a broken heart. Some of us become stronger, others become more guarded.
If you are currently experiencing a broken heart, try some of the following tips to help you cope:
1. Grieve. Pretending to be strong and not feel the full effects of your disappointment will only prove to be a disservice to yourself. It will take you longer to go through the process if you don’t let yourself grieve and acknowledge that the person you’ve lost really did mean a great deal to you. Biochemist Dr. William Frey suggests that tears help rid our bodies of stress-induced toxins. Therefore, a good cry can help release some of the tension and hurt that you are holding onto.
2. Exercise. Literally working out your heartbreak can give you instant relief on an emotional as well as physiological level. Exercise releases healthy chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin that make us feel more in control and relaxed.
3. Surround yourself with supporters. Experiencing a broken heart can make you feel so alone. Talk to people you trust so that you can express your feelings. Don’t bottle them up. Just talking about your situation may help you feel better. You may receive great advice since most people have overcome heartache at one time themselves. They can also distract you from your pain.
4. Laugh. Nothing feels better to a broken heart than a good hearty laugh. Watch a comedy. Reach out to that friend who always has something to say that makes you smile. Read some jokes.
5. Stay busy. It is healthy to acknowledge your broken heart, but it is not good to dwell on it. Keep yourself busy so that you can be distracted from the physical and emotional pain associated with your grief.
While a broken heart is devastating, for many of us, the time we had with that special person was worth it. Those that break our hearts or leave us due to no choice of their own are some of the best people we will have ever known. Some of them may become our biggest advocates, while others will be gone forever. In the end, these people somehow shape us into becoming who we are today. Embrace the moments you’ve shared and don’t ever give up on love. Hearts mend.
Jill Starbuck has 20 years of experience as a business writer, editor, and market research analyst. She is a certified health coach through the Integrative Institute of Nutrition and a certified running coach through the Road Runners Club of America. She is also the co-owner of a running business. She can be reached at jillstarbuck@hotmail.com.
