Yeah, splitting up sucks. But the more you understand your breakup, the easier it’ll be to move on. Let’s put on our science goggles and learn what happens to your brain during a breakup.
1. Brain Pain
According to a study at Columbia University, thinking about an ex after a bad breakup activates the same region of the brain that produces physical pain. This could be an evolutionary safety mechanism left over from dangerous times when rejection meant death. Though you might feel like you’re dying, remember who caused that pain and turn it into positive energy.
2. Hormones Galore
When you break up, say goodbye to the dopamine rush of romance and hellooo to stress hormones. Stress rushes are overwhelming, especially because they affect EVERYTHING. You might feel tense, find it hard to sleep, and even get sick! But fear not, darlings: we have plenty of bounce back rituals to help you detox and fight off that funk.
3. Miss Independent
If you had a long relationship, you and your ex might have felt like the same person. That shared identity can spell major trouble for your self-esteem. Think of it as a fresh, independent start – you get to reclaim your identity and build it anew. Be true to your authentic self!
4. Addiction
Do you comb over every interaction you had with your ex? Do you need to know where it all went wrong? Do you do this constantly? Chances are you formed an obsession. When you’re in love, your brain activates in ways that mimic drugs such as morphine. That’s some hard stuff. On the plus side, your breakup means you get to kick an addiction you didn’t know you had. Get out there and spend healthy time with yourself.
5. Heartbreak…Literally
Rejection stings no matter what, but it’s especially hard to handle in the dating world. That’s as personal as it gets. Luckily (or not), your heartbreak isn’t just in your head. When you process rejection, your nervous system reacts by slowing down your heartbeat.
Okay, that sounds like a rough ride. Isn’t there anything we can do to feel better? Of course there is!
6. Talk It Out
You know the drill: therapy, yoga, chat sessions with your friends, playlists that rotate between angsty, angry, and sarcastic, having a cathartic cry over your favorite TV couple’s breakup (BARNEY AND ROBIN WERE SOULMATES). Whatever the outlet, talking through a split helps ease the pain. And here’s the light at the end of the dark, depressing tunnel: You’ll feel better than ever once you’ve processed this speed bump in your beautiful life. Now get out there and clear your mind!
