Breaking up the Healthy Way [From the Experts] Part 2: Channeling the Energy
Orlando Counseling Providing Relationship Therapy
Welcome back to “Breaking up the Healthy Way [From the Experts]” In the last blog post, we talked about the importance of feeling all the feels of a breakup. As an anxiety and trauma therapist providing counseling in Orlando, I wanted to write a segment where we can focus on channeling the energy into fun and creative outlets. Whether the ending of your relationship is from a divorce or a breakup, this blog series has healing tips for getting you through it the healthy way!
One after effect of a breakup is to have a ton of energy and a minuscule appetite. I’m sure many of you can relate. All of a sudden, all you need is one piece of toast to feel full and two hours of sleep to feel rested. Ok, so I exaggerate, but another theme that emerged from my interviews is “channel thy energy.”
This is the fun and empowering part of the breakup, y'all!
Stacie Cordell, LMFT in Kansas, suggest using all that extra energy for a good ole workout. “Never underestimate the power of sweat therapy, especially at a kickboxing gym. Working out and working on yourself in the wake of a breakup is very helpful. But if you can actually punch and kick a bag— freakishly cathartic.”
I love what Susan Blandino, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist had to say. She recommends creating an inspirational breakup song playlist. She said this helps with the grieving process, as well as provides a source of energy for those struggling with a breakup. (Dr. Blandino did say she uses this with her teen clients, but truth be told, y’all, I did this in my early thirties and it was totally empowering to belt out some lyrics while driving down the road or dancing in my living room).
If you need a little breakup song inspiration, just click the link to see what is currently trending on YouTube.
Jessica N. Davis, LCPC adds, “After a breakup, I think it's important to take that energy (hurt and pain) and channel it into something positive for yourself. Whether that means focusing on creating something, being more effective at work, changing the aura of a room by repainting it or moving things around, working out, etc. The best way to handle a breakup is to pour more resources into you and what you want for your future.”
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Kerri-Anne Brown says, "Engage in things that nurture you and write or talk about your feelings. Find healthy outlets that enable you to actively engage in the healing process. Sleep and appetite are often the first things that are negatively impacted after a loss. Be sure to nurture your body with adequate sleep and nutrition."
Whether you decide to hit the gym, rearrange your furniture, write poetry, or paint pottery, the experts suggest choosing an outlet that will not only channel your energy, but will also feed your soul.
In Part 3, we will look at how experts view grieving as part of the healing process and Part 4, we will explore the importance of making time for self-reflection in the wake of a break up.
In the meantime y’all, let’s keep this conversation going! Please leave a comment with some of your tried and true tips for getting through a breakup feeling empowered (rather than hit by a mack truck).
Check out my other posts in this series here:
Lauran is an anxiety and trauma therapist providing counseling in Orlando, FL. She also specializes in helping people heal old broken relationship patterns that keep them from finding, creating, and keeping healthy relationships with partners, friends, and family. Lauran uses a down to earth approach infused with cutting-edge therapies that go beyond traditional talking to help clients feel calm in their body and mind and find peace within themselves.