**How to Deal with Heartbreak During the Holidays: A Healing Guide**

It was Christmas evening, and I couldn’t find sleep. Not due to holiday excitement or expectations for the Twixmas festivities, but because I was preparing for a challenging and probably heart-wrenching discussion. My self-worth was at its lowest point, and a situationship I had found myself in had turned into an emotionally exhausting experience. What started as a relaxed connection with a good friend transformed into feelings that weren’t reciprocated, leaving me in distress. Amid a winter lockdown, he ghosted me, and the silence was overwhelming. My thoughts spiraled, desperately looking for explanations, while my inner critic seized the moment to amplify my doubts, making me feel somehow insufficient.

When he finally reached out, it wasn’t to revive anything significant, but to free himself of his guilt and maintain his standing within our friend circle. I was puzzled by his motivations and, truthfully, still clung to a small glimmer of hope that he had reconsidered. Yet, as I sat beside my parents’ Christmas tree, sipping a gin and tonic, I recognized that I could no longer tolerate the ambiguity. I wanted clarity, even if it meant hearing something unpleasant. On Boxing Day morning, his message arrived with yet another apology. I understood what I needed to do.

After sending the dreaded message to address the situation, I waited in silence for his reply. When it arrived, it validated what I had already suspected, but still shattered my heart. Although the uncertainty faded, heartbreak took its place—a sensation I hadn’t expected to confront during a season I typically loved. Tears flowed down my cheeks as I attempted to distract myself with family movies, stifling my sobs on the couch. My mother’s concerned glances only intensified my sorrow. Even the comforting presence of pigs in blankets or Terry’s Chocolate Oranges couldn’t lift my mood—though I certainly made an effort.

Sadly, heartbreak doesn’t take a break. The holiday period can be particularly tough when you’re facing the dissolution of a relationship or situationship. As writer Annie Lord, author of *Notes on Heartbreak*, wisely states, “It’s pretty horrible because everyone’s so loved up during Christmas.” From couples strolling hand in hand at Christmas markets to romantic scenes in holiday films, the season’s cozy vibe can magnify feelings of solitude.

However, just because it’s tough doesn’t signify you have to face it alone. Here are some expert-supported strategies to assist you in coping with heartbreak during the festive season.

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### 1. Limit Your Social Media Exposure
Few things can intensify heartbreak like scrolling through endless engagement notices or joy-filled holiday snapshots. Family psychotherapist Fiona Yassin, creator of The Wave Clinic, recommends minimizing social media engagement during this period. “When we observe others having fun online and feel left out, it can evoke adverse emotions like loneliness and isolation,” she explains. Contemplate taking a hiatus from platforms like Instagram and TikTok to safeguard your mental health.

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### 2. Allow Yourself to Mourn
The holidays often highlight joy, which can clash with your feelings. Consultant psychologist Dr. Elena Touroni compares a breakup to mourning, especially when the person was a significant part of your life. “Instead of hurrying to move on, be gentle with yourself and take the necessary time to process the loss,” she counsels. Don’t feel guilty for your sadness—your feelings are legitimate. As Lord reminds us, “You are not a burden. It’s a privilege for others to support you when you need it.”

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### 3. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Heartbreak is a shared human experience, and confiding in those who care for you can be immensely comforting. “Talk to your parents or older relatives—they’ve likely navigated similar experiences and come out okay,” says Lord. “Celebrate the affection you receive from family and friends. It may not be as glamorous as romantic love, but it’s often much more lasting.” If you’re celebrating the holidays at home, revisiting old memories can also bring perspective and stability.

For those lacking a support network, professional assistance is accessible. If your heartbreak is impacting your mental health, don’t hesitate to contact a crisis hotline or mental health specialist.

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### 4. Employ Grounding Techniques
Grounding techniques can help you remain present and cope with overwhelming feelings. Yassin suggests activities like walking, which activates both brain hemispheres through Bilateral Stimulation (BLS), or repetitive tasks like cross-stitching or journaling. “Journaling helps clarify difficult thoughts and emotions by putting them on paper, providing insight and a fresh perspective,” Touroni adds. If you’re new to journaling, start with simple prompts to gradually ease into the practice.

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### 5. Prioritize Your Physical Needs
Heartbreak can drain your energy, making self-care challenging. However, addressing your basic