Let it Go

Breakups don’t just break your heart—they hijack your mind. The endless loop of “what ifs,” the sudden waves of panic, the sleepless nights spent replaying old conversations—breakup anxiety is real, and if you feel trapped in it, you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. With the right tools, you can regain control over your thoughts, quiet the mental noise, and finally find peace.

Why Breakups Trigger Anxiety

Your brain isn’t just missing your ex—it’s going through withdrawal. Studies show that romantic rejection activates the same brain regions as physical pain and drug cravings, which explains why breakups can feel unbearable. You’ve lost a key emotional anchor, and your mind is desperately trying to regain stability. The uncertainty of the future makes things worse, flooding your system with stress as you analyze every little detail, searching for answers that no longer matter. But the truth is, the more you overthink, the harder it is to heal.

How to Stop Overthinking About Your Ex

If your thoughts are stuck on repeat, it’s time to break the pattern. One way to interrupt the spiral is by physically snapping yourself out of it. Saying “STOP” out loud, clapping your hands, or even using grounding techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 method (where you name five things you see, four things you feel, three things you hear, two things you smell, and one thing you taste) can pull you back to the present. Setting a daily “worry window” can also help—giving yourself ten minutes to think about your ex and then moving on keeps those thoughts from taking over your entire day.

Your body holds onto anxiety just as much as your mind does, which is why movement is key. Going for a fast-paced walk, taking a cold shower, or hitting the gym can release pent-up tension and reset your nervous system. Exercise, especially activities that get your heart rate up, acts as a natural stress reliever. The next time you feel overwhelmed, get up and move—even a few minutes of stretching or deep breathing can make a difference.

Writing down your thoughts is another powerful way to process emotions instead of letting them fester. Journaling lets you dump all the anxious thoughts swirling in your head onto paper, giving them an outlet so they don’t control you. If it helps, end your writing session with a statement like, “I release this and I am moving forward.” Some people even rip up the paper afterward as a symbolic way of letting go. If you prefer a digital approach, the Let it Go app has a built-in journal to track your healing progress.

Your thoughts shape your emotions, which means the way you talk to yourself matters. Breakup anxiety feeds off negative self-talk—telling yourself you’ll never find someone else, that you weren’t good enough, or that your ex is happier without you only deepens the pain. Replacing those thoughts with empowering affirmations can help rewire your brain. Try telling yourself, “I am enough, with or without them,” or “This pain is temporary—I am healing every day.” If it feels unnatural at first, record yourself saying positive affirmations and listen to them daily until they start to feel real.

One of the biggest triggers for breakup anxiety is social media. Every time you check your ex’s profile or reread old messages, you’re keeping yourself emotionally tied to the past. Blocking or muting them isn’t about being petty—it’s about protecting your peace. Avoiding places where you might run into them can also help, at least in the early stages of healing. If mutual friends bring them up in conversation, politely change the subject. Staying in your own lane is the fastest way forward.

Anxiety often fills the empty space your ex left behind, which is why creating new habits is essential. Now is the time to rediscover yourself. Say yes to experiences you would have hesitated to try before—start that hobby you’ve always been curious about, plan a solo adventure, or take yourself on a date. Shifting the focus back to your own growth reminds you that life isn’t over just because a relationship ended. If you need structure, making a “Breakup Bucket List” with ten things you want to accomplish for yourself this year can give you a sense of direction.

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Talking about your feelings helps process them faster, so reach out to a friend who won’t judge, join a breakup support group, or connect with a professional. The Let it Go app offers a supportive community and access to healers who can guide you through this process. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Your Mind Deserves Peace—Claim It Today

Breakup anxiety is normal, but it doesn’t have to control you. Every time you choose to focus on yourself instead of your ex, you take another step toward healing. You are not your anxious thoughts—you are stronger than them. If you’re ready to move forward, start today. Download Let it Go and begin your journey toward peace. Your healing starts now.