Healing After a Breakup (Part 2): Now What? How to Move Forward and Rebuild Confidence

Woman walking away outdoors wearing a stylish hat and carrying her shoes, symbolizing freedom and moving forward after a breakup.

Okay, so you’ve cried. You’ve eaten ice cream. You’ve said, “you will get through this” into a pillow. You’re doing the work. But… now what?

Breakup recovery doesn’t come with a timeline or a checklist. Healing isn’t linear, and just because the intense sobbing part might be over (or less frequent) doesn’t mean you feel totally okay yet. So, let’s talk about how to keep caring for yourself after the initial breakup freefall. This is where deeper healing begins.

If you haven’t already, start with Part 1 of the Self-Soothing After a Breakup series—it walks you through the immediate aftermath and how to ground yourself when everything feels heavy.

1. Reclaim Your Routines After a Breakup

Relationships shape our daily lives, where we go, how we spend weekends, and even what time we eat dinner. After a breakup, it’s common to feel untethered. Now is your time to re-anchor.

  • Reinvent your mornings: Add a gentle routine like coffee + journaling + sunshine + your favourite playlist.

  • Make solo weekend plans: Farmer’s market strolls, movie nights, or a solo walk.

  • Try “habit stacking” by pairing feel-good activities with everyday chores (e.g., podcast + laundry).

This is about building a new rhythm that feels like home for you, not “we.” It might be hard and that’s okay. Just take it one step at a time.

2. Rediscover Who You Are Post-Breakup

Breakups can leave you asking, “Who even am I now?” This is a powerful opportunity for self-exploration.

  • Start a “Just Me” list of things that make you feel like yourself (swimming, cooking, baddie songs).

  • Journal about your identity beyond the relationship. Your values, your passions, what parts of you were quieted and need to be heard again.

You’re not starting over. You’re embracing a new part of you that gets to flourish. You get to become even more “you”.

3. Create Your Own Closure

Closure isn’t always a conversation it’s something you create. Even though it’s really hard, closure is something we often have to do for ourselves. We don’t always get a nice and tidy conversation with the other person and even when we do, it often leaves us feeling like the closure piece is missing. Thankfully there is still things you can do that are in your control.

  • Write a letter you’ll never send, saying everything you wish they understood.

  • Write a letter from your future self, reassuring you that you’re going to be okay.

  • Create a goodbye ritual. Burn the letter, donate an item, or try a closure meditation.

Closure is permission to let go on your terms.

4. Rebuild Your Confidence & Desire

Breakups can shake your confidence, but your spark is still there.

  • Revisit your Confidence Toolkit (it’s waiting for you on my downloads page!).

  • Start a private “Hot Pics” album for moments when you feel radiant.

  • Practice small flirting moments. Eye contact at the coffee shop or a playful smile.

Desire is about reconnecting with your vitality and curiosity, not rushing back into dating.

5. Let Yourself Be Soft and Strong

You don’t have to “bounce back” overnight. Feel everything: Sadness, anger, numbness, hope, empowerment. Healing happens in layers. You might miss them one day, and dream bigger the next. That’s human.

6. Reach out for Support

Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed? Therapy can be your soft place to land. You don’t have to navigate this alone. A trusted therapist can help you process emotions, build confidence, and create the future you deserve.

If your heart still feels tender, consider booking a therapy session with me. I’m here to support your healing journey with compassion and personalized care. 💛

Ready to reclaim your confidence and embrace your power?
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You’re not broken. You’re becoming. And you’re doing it like a baddie.

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