Breakups—we’ve all been there—a time of distress, anxiety, misery, maybe nostalgic tears over a bowl of ice cream. I’m all for mourning a relationship, whether it’s a mutual split or a heartache, but there comes a time when you are ready to move on.
One of the best ways to get out there again is to take a trip—anywhere—to clear your mind, restore your self-confidence, get out into the world, and use your newfound independence as a chance to grow.
Here’s why I think travel is the best cure for a broken heart!
It’s a Distraction
Instead of wallowing in self-pity and obsessive thoughts about what might have been, hit the road.
Travel is a sure catharsis, as it removes you from familiar surroundings, from the apartment you shared and from all the friends you had in common. The risk to bump into an ex at your favorite watering hole is reduced to zero. Distance creates a space in which you can begin to refocus.
By traveling, you’re thrust into the unfamiliar, and out of your comfort zone. It’s liberating to be in a place where no one knows your name and are able to give yourself a break and get out of your head for a bit.
Immerse yourself in foreign sights and smells, and let yourself roam free!
Meet New People
Another great distraction is meeting new people, and as a solo traveler it’s fairly easy to meet others like yourself.
Strike up a conversation in a hostel and see what friendships may result, pay attention to the people around you, or sit at a cafe and watch strangers go by. You may even find friends that can accompany you on your travels, or keep in touch with!
Restores Balance
When you’re in a relationship it’s easy to forget that you are your own person. When you travel, you’re forced to rely completely on yourself.
Use this trip to reaffirm your own independence and boost your self-confidence. Write in a journal. Trust your own intuition and instincts to get from place to place and keep yourself out of trouble.
The adventure is all yours.
Learn a New Skill
You can also take this chance to learn something new on your travels. Want to try your hand at photography? Start by taking pictures of the huge world. Took Spanish in college? Try out what you remember in a local restaurant. Start doing yoga. Volunteer while you’re abroad. The limit is only your imagination.
Be in the Present
Travel teaches you, first and foremost, to be in the present moment. Thrust into the unfamiliar, your senses become clearer—you see more, you hear more at home.
Listen to the world around and listen to your body. Feel the discomfort of a cold shower. Feel relaxed on a Mediterranean beach. Relax. Let go.
Keeps You Moving Forward
Why stay at home when you can opt for a spontaneous trip? Take a leap of faith and have an adventure.
Remember: this time is for you.
Do what feels good, every day. The memories you make of your trip will stay with you always and remind you who you are and what you can do, just by yourself.
Very rightly said! I believe when one is out exploring a new place, we get lost in the beauty and mystery of a place and our mind is diverted from negative thought. Thanks for sharing this post which is surely like a blessing in disguise for many of your readers.
Thank you so much Amarjit!
It’s so true, but not just about break ups. Experiencing a death is so very hard too. Perhaps because you are forced to rely on all your skills to travel that makes it so. Just remember not to pack your berivement with you. Start conversations about others, not your self. Put your head in where you are and try new things, as suggested here. Cut yourself out of that comfort zone and relish life. I believe you’ll find you honor the memory of the berived so much fuller than those pills your Doc. Prescribed for sadness!
Awesome comment– thank you Mary Ann!