By Focusing on personal growth, disconnecting from social media, and prioritizing well-being are some of the tips to avoid thinking about a particular person. We analyze these and other tricks that can help you.
Is it possible to stop thinking about someone you loved deeply? It’s a question many people ask themselves after a breakup or a failed attempt at a relationship. The first few days may feel like a constant struggle against memories that pop up when you least expect it. Trying to free yourself from them may seem futile, as that person still holds a significant place in your mind and heart.
Although the process of letting go may affect your emotional well-being and hinder your ability to excel in other areas of life, it is important to know that you are not walking this path alone and that there are ways to overcome such a situation. Below, we will present you with tricks that help you through the ordeal.
1. Avoid making contact
It’s not just in romance books, it also happens in real life. We can be calm, watching a movie or listening to music when, suddenly, the urge to write to that person comes over us. We hardly think about the consequences, we just open WhatsApp, go to the archived conversations and send that message that says: “I miss you.”
While it is understandable to want to maintain a cordial relationship, persisting in writing or seeing them can cause distress and deepen the wound in your heart. Even if the person responds positively to your attempts at communication, it can raise false hopes . However, when you want to forget someone, it is best to give yourself space and avoid contact with the other person.
Even though it hurts, keeping your distance is a good way to explore your own emotions, thoughts, and rediscover who you are as an individual.
Avoid places where you know the person will be. Do you study at the same university and hang out in the same places? Find another place to do homework. Did you usually go to a coffee shop after work to chat? Go straight home. By keeping your distance, you give yourself a chance to heal. Your main priority should be taking care of yourself and focusing on your own well-being and needs.
2. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness invites you to focus on the present moment, freeing yourself from worries about the past or the future. Integrating it into your routine to stop thinking about someone is easier than you think and can provide you with significant benefits .
Start by closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. Attune your senses to the environment around you: the physical sensations in your body, the sounds reaching your ears, and the thoughts flowing through your mind. If you notice your attention drifting toward that person, gently bring your focus back to the present.
Breathing exercises are helpful in calming the mind and increasing awareness of the current moment. Although it takes practice and patience, over time, you will find that this ability to be in the here and now strengthens, giving you a sense of calm and clarity in your daily life.
3. Do journaling
Journaling is a therapeutic way to process your emotions and free yourself from intrusive thoughts about someone. Set aside time each day to write about your feelings and experiences .
Allow yourself to express everything you need without censorship or judgment. By putting your emotions on paper, you will find a safe space to explore your inner world and find clarity about your healing process.
4. Disconnect from social networks
To stop thinking about someone, give your digital life a break for a while, that is, disconnect from social media and immerse yourself in offline experiences . One strategy is to ask a friend or family member to change your password and not tell you about it until you feel better.
In the meantime, take advantage of the opportunity to plan that long-awaited trip to the beach that you’ve been putting off for a while, read that book that’s collecting dust on your nightstand, or go to the cinema and enjoy the latest film.
5. Unfollow that person
Building on the previous point, if staying away from the Internet for a while isn’t enough, even though it may seem like a drastic measure, unfollowing your ex or almost anything on social media will help you reduce the desire to know the details of his or her life.
Looking at this person’s posts tends to reopen wounds and cause unnecessary pain. You may come across images of them happy with their new partner, but remember, everyone has the right to move on.
Our advice is clear and direct: take control of your own peace of mind and put an end to temptation. It’s time to hit the “unfollow” button and get rid of the constant reminders of a life without him or her. By doing so, you prioritize your emotional well-being and allow yourself to move forward into a future without strings attached.
6. Delete the photos you have with that person
They say that “to remember is to live again,” but when you don’t want to think about someone, keeping the photos and videos you captured together is counterproductive. While you long had images of you hugging or sharing a kiss as your wallpaper, or maybe you saved content in your Instagram highlights where the laughter was never lacking, it’s time to turn the page.
The good times will remain forever in both of your memories, but while your heart is healing, it is important to avoid tormenting yourself with thoughts like: “What if this hadn’t come to an end?” “Would we still be living happy moments together?” Removing these memories frees you up and allows you to focus on the now.
7. Write a farewell letter
Words have extraordinary healing power. Although this letter will not be read by the recipient, it offers you the opportunity to express gratitude for the moments shared, even for the lessons learned from the fights.
Recount the story together: from the first kiss to the day you decided to say goodbye. Avoid reproaches and accusations, but rather express that you forgive everything. Before concluding, wish him/her the best in life and express your hope that he/she will find a beautiful love, while you commit to moving forward.
After writing it, read it out loud as an act of closure. And once you get through this chapter, consider burning it as a symbol of release.
8. Allow yourself to feel pain
When faced with grief like this, some people choose to suppress the pain, and in the process, pretend they are okay as a defense mechanism. However, sometimes it is necessary to break down that barrier and cry or get angry. It may be uncomfortable, but this act is essential to processing emotions in a healthy way.
During this experience, it is helpful to reflect on what the pain is trying to teach you. Instead of victimizing yourself, try to understand the events and how they affect you. Recognizing and accepting your emotions is a step toward healing.
9. Focus on your personal growth
This is the perfect time to invest time in yourself and work on being the best version of yourself . Maybe you want to stop procrastinating and get more organized in your activities, or you are looking to develop new communication skills.
As with any growth process, it’s important to set achievable goals and progress gradually. Remember to be patient with yourself, as significant changes don’t happen overnight. And celebrate every achievement, no matter how small.
10. Focus on your hobbies
Keep your mind busy with activities that you are passionate about and that make you feel good. Whether it’s hiking, reading, or signing up for a baking class, you’ll find that occupying your time productively helps divert your attention from unwanted thoughts.
Your hobbies provide you with a much-needed break from the daily grind, allowing you to recharge your batteries and reconnect with yourself.
11. Look back at why things didn’t work out
We often tend to idealize people and overlook behaviors that were actually unhealthy. For example, if she was controlling, how did that affect the relationship and your emotional well-being? Reflect on what you didn’t like about her and the possible reasons why it didn’t work out. It’s not about blaming, but about forgiving and, from the bottom of your heart, hoping that she can improve in the future.
On the other hand, identify what aspects need improvement. Keep in mind that relationships are a team effort, and it is important to recognize our shortcomings and commit to growing as individuals. By focusing on these issues, you will be on a better path to learn from the experience and know what you want in future romantic relationships.
12. Give time to time
You always deserve to be loved with the same intensity with which you love. Don’t rush into looking for a new relationship or get lost in the thought that no one likes you . Realize that, somewhere, someone is waiting for you and is willing to accept you with all your virtues and defects.
Take advantage of this time to dedicate yourself. Use it to strengthen yourself, discover who you are and what you want in life. This period of self-exploration will prepare you to receive what the future has in store for you. Trust the process and allow time to do its work. In the meantime, heal the wounds and open the doors to other opportunities.
13. Allow yourself to meet new people
Look into expanding your social circle by participating in a variety of activities. Join clubs, attend festivals, sign up for courses, or spend time volunteering. These alternatives provide the chance to discover exciting aspects of yourself and the world around you.
14. Take care of and prioritize your well-being
In the midst of the process of letting go of someone’s thoughts, it’s essential to prioritize self-care so that it becomes your best ally. Dedicate time to activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Whether it’s practicing yoga to find inner peace, cooking a delicious meal, or taking a relaxing bath, make sure to put your well-being first at all times.
Taking care of yourself is an act of self-love that helps you heal and prepare to embrace new opportunities.
15. Consult a professional
A psychologist offers tools and strategies to process your emotions as you try to stop thinking about someone, overcome past pain, and find clarity for what’s next. Don’t be afraid to seek support; making the decision to consult a professional is a brave act.
Let your heart heal
The process of stopping thinking about someone is not easy and may require time and effort. However, with patience, self-compassion , and the application of the strategies mentioned above, you will regain your peace of mind.
Remember that you have the power to use this time to take care of yourself and cultivate healthy relationships based on respect and reciprocity. Trust in your ability to heal and move forward with the certainty that you deserve the best in life.