Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. That moment when you’re tempted to pick up the phone and text your ex.
It’s a tough battle, right? Dealing with the urge while trying to maintain your dignity.
Well, let me tell you something, it’s not just about resisting the urge, it’s about finding healthier alternatives to cope with these feelings.
And guess what? I’ve got some tried-and-true methods that can help you out.
So, buckle up, because I’m about to share 8 ways to resist the urge to text your ex.
1) Pause and breathe
We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through your phone, and suddenly, you feel an urge to text your ex. It’s like an uncontrollable reflex, right?
Well, here’s the first tip – take a moment to pause and breathe.
Breathing is something so simple yet so powerful. It can calm our nerves and help us think clearly. And trust me, we need a clear mind in moments like these.
Next time that urge strikes, don’t rush to pick up your phone. Instead, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and count to ten.
2) Find a new hobby
Now, here’s a personal trick that worked wonders for me.
When I went through a breakup, I found myself constantly reaching for my phone to text my ex. It was a bad habit I was desperate to break.
That’s when I decided to pick up a new hobby – painting.
Every time I felt the urge to text my ex, I’d grab my paintbrush instead. It was therapeutic, helped me channel my emotions onto the canvas, and most importantly, it kept my hands and mind busy.
By focusing on creating something beautiful, I was able to redirect my energy away from dwelling on the past.
And guess what? Over time, I found myself reaching for the paintbrush more than my phone.
If you’re stuck in a similar situation, try starting a new hobby. Whether it’s painting like me, playing an instrument or learning a new sport, it will not only distract you but also introduce you to new experiences and people.
3) Write a letter, but don’t send it
Sometimes, the urge to text your ex comes from a place of wanting to express unresolved feelings or thoughts. It’s a human need to make sense of our experiences, and what better way than through words?
Here’s an interesting approach – write a letter to your ex. Pour out all your feelings, thoughts, confessions, everything you wish you could say.
But here’s the catch – don’t send it.
Research shows that expressive writing can help reduce stress and manage negative emotions. It’s like talking to a friend without the fear of judgment or repercussions.
So, grab a pen and paper or open up a new document on your computer and start writing. You’ll be surprised at how much lighter you feel after letting it all out on paper.
4) Reach out to friends
There’s nothing like a good chat with a friend to remind you that you’re not alone in this.
When the urge to text your ex pops up, try reaching out to a friend instead. It could be a simple ‘hey, how’s it going?’ text or a call to catch up.
Your friends can provide the emotional support you need, distract you with hilarious stories or just lend a listening ear. They can remind you of your worth and help put things into perspective.
Plus, it’s always good to reconnect with friends and strengthen those bonds. After all, friendships are the relationships we choose for ourselves, and they play a crucial role in our emotional wellbeing.
5) Practice self-love
Breakups can be tough, and it’s okay to feel the pain. But remember, you are much more than a relationship that didn’t work out.
When the urge to text your ex arises, take a moment to reflect on your worth. Remind yourself of all the amazing qualities that make you, you.
This is the time to invest in self-love and self-care. It could be through small acts like taking a relaxing bath, reading a book you love, or doing some yoga.
Or it could be something more profound like setting personal goals, pursuing your passions, or working on personal development.
Just remember, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself. So, love yourself, respect yourself, and know that you deserve happiness.
6) Create a mantra
This might sound a bit unconventional, but bear with me. When I was grappling with the urge to text my ex, I came up with a mantra for myself.
Every time I felt the itch to reach out, I would repeat to myself, “I choose me.” It was simple, but it reminded me that I needed to prioritize my wellbeing over my longing for my past relationship.
A mantra is a powerful tool. It becomes a voice of reason in moments of vulnerability and helps us stay grounded.
7) Remove triggers
One of the most practical steps you can take to resist the urge to text your ex is removing triggers from your environment.
This could mean deleting their number, blocking them on social media, or even removing those pictures that remind you of them. It’s not about erasing the past, but about making space for the future.
It’s easier to resist the temptation when the reminders aren’t constantly in your face. Out of sight, out of mind isn’t just a saying, it’s a strategy.
This step might seem tough initially, but it can make a significant difference in your healing process. By removing these triggers, you’re setting boundaries and taking control over your healing journey.
8) Embrace the journey
Breakups are hard, and so is the journey that follows. But remember, it’s a journey nonetheless. It’s a path to growth, self-discovery, and building resilience.
Resisting the urge to text your ex is one part of this journey, not the destination. It’s okay if you stumble or take a wrong turn. What’s important is that you keep moving forward.
Remember, healing isn’t linear, and it’s okay to have bad days. But those bad days don’t define you or your journey. They’re just part of the process.
It’s about you
The journey of resisting the urge to text your ex is deeply intertwined with self-awareness, self-care, and growth.
What’s important to remember is that this journey is unique for everyone. The ways that work for one might not work for another. And that’s okay.
One key aspect of this journey is understanding your emotions, your own triggers, and the reasons behind your urge to reach out to your ex. This understanding can be instrumental in helping you move forward.
In the end, this process isn’t just about resisting a temptation, it’s about understanding yourself better, setting boundaries, nurturing your emotional health, and growing stronger.
So as you embark on this journey, remember – it’s about you. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability, resilience in heartbreak, and growth in pain. It’s about learning to love yourself enough to let go and move forward.
