10 ways to help you move on to find your worth and reclaim your life after a relationship ends

Understanding how to move on after a serious relationship is never easy.

Healing after a breakup rarely follows a straightforward path, and determining when you are ready to date again can be confusing.

It’s normal to feel tempted to jump into a rebound to fill the emotional emptiness.

“One of the hardest parts about moving on from any serious relationship is losing your primary source of attachment,” Rachel Zar, PhD, LMFT, AASECT-certified sex therapist at Avid Intimacy in Chicago, told SELF.

Seeking new attention may feel natural, but Dr. Zar warns that dating before you are ready can hinder your healing and prevent the formation of meaningful new relationships.

How to move on: Understanding the timeline for healing

There is no set timeline for healing. Everyone’s experience is different. Some studies suggest people may take about three months to move past a breakup, but this is not universal.

The process should not be rushed. Feeling, processing, and understanding your emotions is essential to proper closure.

If grief or depression becomes overwhelming, therapists can provide guidance.

Lingering love is normal

It’s common to still love an ex after a breakup. This may stem from attachment, nostalgia, or hope that the relationship could work.

Experts say it’s okay to still feel love while pursuing closure. Keep feelings private and focus on your own healing.

Signs you are not ready to move on

Experts note key signs you haven’t fully moved on:

1. Your ex dominates your thoughts: Constantly replaying memories or wondering about your ex shows a lingering attachment.
2. You compare new partners to your ex:  Christiana Njoku, a licensed professional counselor says, “No need to compare your partner to others; when you do that, it is a sign that you are not ready to change.”
3. You stalk their social media: Frequent checking prevents closure.
4. You keep their belongings: Physical reminders slow healing.
5. You still feel anger or hurt: Holding on to negative emotions keeps you tied to the past.

The Science of emotional withdrawal

Love is neurological, creating attachment in your brain.

A breakup can trigger withdrawal symptoms similar to substance withdrawal, including anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Emotional healing may require support from friends, family, or a mental health professional, such as a therapist.

10 ways to move on and find closure

Moving on after a breakup takes intention and patience. Following concrete steps can help you regain emotional balance, work through your feelings, and begin the journey toward proper closure and healing, according to Marriage.com.

1. Allow yourself to feel: Accept sadness, anger, and hurt.

2. Cut off contact: Delete numbers, unfollow on social media, and avoid shared places.

3. Focus on self-care: Prioritize sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and enjoyable activities.

4. Seek support: Lean on friends, family, or professional counseling.

5. Remove reminders: Njoku, “To get over your ex, you need to disconnect from everything and anything capable of bringing back memories of your ex.”

6. Rediscover interests: Reconnect with hobbies or try new ones.

7. Practice mindfulness: Meditation helps manage strong emotions.

8. Focus on personal growth: Set goals and build confidence.

9. Practice forgiveness: Letting go of resentment promotes healing and overall well-being.

10. Give yourself time: Don’t rush into moving on. Healing takes patience.

Signs you have truly moved on

Recognizing proper closure helps you understand how to move on:

1. Acceptance: It is normal to miss a past partner. However, Radisha Brown, LCSW, notes, “But right after a breakup, we often romanticize the relationship.” Real progress means you’ve stopped waiting for a reunion. Dr. Zar advises “looking for a sense of acceptance that this person isn’t for you and that the relationship has run its course.”
2. Excited to date again: You genuinely seek new connections, not just a rebound.
3. Stop comparing: You appreciate new people without measuring them against your ex.
4. Triggers don’t devastate you: Brown explains, “Extreme emotions are usually indications that you’re still tied to the person.” When intense feelings fade, freedom begins.
5. Accepting their new life: You respect your ex’s happiness while maintaining emotional independence.

Finding peace and learning how to move on

Moving on from a breakup requires patience, self-compassion, and intentional steps toward healing.

By following these signs and strategies, achieving closure and re-entering the dating world becomes a natural and positive transition.

Watch Matthew Hussey, New York Times bestselling author and coach, share expert tips on how to move on, let go, and heal after a toxic relationship.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified expert or licensed professional with any questions or concerns you may have.