Breakup in 2021? Here’s how to overcome FOMO

Breaking up with someone you love is never easy, and it can take a toll on your emotional and mental health. Breakups are even harder when you see the couples around you are gearing up for new year celebrations together. Your lost love might make you feel like you want to throw up at the thought of couples kissing each other at stroke of midnight. Well, some may call it dramatic, isn’t it? But, only you know how it feels and you’re not alone.

The thought of celebrating New Year’s Eve alone, or not considering it as a reason to celebrate anymore may creep in. The sight of a couple holding hands may give you a feeling of grief and FOMO (fear of missing out) which is completely justified. That’s because there’s an outpouring of love everywhere around you. People try to pamper each other with flowers, chocolates, gifts or candlelight dinners—and if you aren’t a part of the tribe, it’s but natural for you to feel left out.

Yes, it’s time to address the proverbial elephant in the room: what if you are dealing with a heartbreak as the new year 2022 sets in. Well, guess what? You do not have to feel sorry for yourself. Read this instead because you’re not the only one!

According to a study published by the US National Library of Medicine, experiencing a breakup is associated with an increase in psychological distress, and a decline in life’s satisfaction.

During the 20-month period of the study, 473 individuals among 1295 participants experienced one or more break-ups. So, you’re not alone!

Hirak Patel, Counselling Psychologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai, spoke to HealthShots about the psychological stress an individual can go through when experiencing a heartbreak.

“Experiencing breakup and going through the phase becomes difficult and makes it challenging for an individual to move ahead. It comes with a lot of changes within a person, their attitude, their thoughts, their emotions and other domains of their life.” she says.

Speaking about how can you overcome the grief of a breakup, Patel says, “Slow down, you need not rush into things immediately, and not everything needs to come to place immediately. Allow yourself some time, practice self care and focus on your growth. Taking one thing at a time, accept and acknowledge the situation in order to go ahead and explore other things.”

Here are 4 ways that can make you feel a bit better on your own:

1. Take account of your feelings

It’s hard to deal with a heartbreak, especially when the world is welcoming the New Year. Well, you might want to lock yourself up in a room, put on some sad music and cry. We know it’s hard but do not suppress your feelings. Give yourself the liberty to really feel your emotions. If you want to cry, don’t stop yourself from crying out loud. It’s natural that you are going to feel terrible about dealing with a heartbreak during the holiday season, but tell yourself it’s fine. Cry, scream, or punch a pillow but let the negative emotions out. This will make your heart fertile for the seed of love again!

2. Love yourself

If you’re somebody who has always kept up with the demanding nature of others over your own personal needs, we hear you! Thereby, you should try to become accepting, loving and kinder to yourselves. Every time you pass by the mirror, look at yourself and speak to the body parts that you like and even the ones you don’t like. Self affirmations work a great deal in changing your mood. Give yourself a smile, and be thankful for who you are in your entirety. This new year, practice and preach self love like a habit. Once you’ve acknowledged the beauty that lies within you, being sexy and brilliant becomes second nature!

3. Don’t jump on the dating train immediately

Well, the FOMO of enjoying new year together is sure to haunt you. It is okay to feel a little void and act vulnerable. Don’t try to fill that gap that your ex lover left with someone else and that too in haste. Surrender yourself to the emotional waves and let yourself float. One day, you will learn to swim through when you’re not feeling gloomy. Refrain from quickly installing a dating app on your phone and starting swiping left and right inconsistently. It will be completely unfair for the other person because they might not be meeting you to hear your breakup’s sob tale but to actually date!

4. Focus on your growth

They say, happiness is the best revenge. And, it might be true in this case. Try to become a better version of yourself. If you’re not into new year resolutions, try inculcating good habits for a polished self. Go to that vacation you always wanted to go to, Learn a dance form, or finish that half-read book. It’s not easy to pick yourself up and start exercising, especially when you feel low. But it’s the secret pill that’s going to make you feel so much better! And who knows, you meet someone interesting there and cupid knocks you over once more!

The last words

“Moving ahead doesn’t mean you are ignoring the situation. Focus on oneself as to what needs to be done next and be empathetic to yourself. It’s imperative to understand that same experience may not repeat itself again. Indulge yourself in doing things that makes you feel better,” suggests Patel.

Finding love is an important decision. It’s not only about putting yourself out there which requires a lot of courage, but also about meeting new people with whom you might be able to share long-term relationships. And, trust us, you did good! Be open to accepting love because it will follow you again in a better way.

Here’s wishing you a year that gives you the reason for your heart to flutter and you achieve peace in your own well-being!