Breakup Anxiety: How to Cope When Your Thoughts Won’t Slow Down

Breakup Anxiety: How to Cope When Your Thoughts Won’t Slow Down

Navigating a breakup can leave your mind in constant overdrive. When thoughts spin and anxiety peaks, finding ways to calm your inner dialogue becomes essential. Here are effective strategies to gently soothe your heart and mind during this tender time.


1. Recognise and Label Your Emotions

Start by noticing what you’re feeling—sadness, anger, fear, or emptiness. Naming your emotions may sound simple, but it’s a powerful way to distance yourself from overwhelming thoughts and bring clarity.


2. Practice Grounding Exercises

When your mind spirals, try a sensory grounding technique:

  • Name 5 things you see

  • Notice 4 things you can touch

  • Acknowledge 3 sounds

  • Breathe in 2 scents

  • Focus on 1 taste or breath

This simple exercise returns you to the present moment and away from relentless rumination.


3. Journaling for Emotional Release

Writing down your thoughts gives them a safe space to exist without consuming you. For deeper clarity, try the calm, reflective pages of the Breakup Journal. Even a few minutes of writing can help process recurring thoughts.


4. Build a Micro Self-Care Habit

Create small routines that signal care and safety:

  • Sip a warm tea in mindfulness

  • Take a 5-minute stretch or walk

  • Listen to comforting music
    These tiny rituals can interrupt anxious thought loops and offer pockets of peace.


5. Reframe Through Gratitude

While raw emotions are valid, gently shift focus by jotting down one thing you're grateful for in your Positivity Journal. It doesn’t dismiss pain—it introduces balance and perspective.


6. Visualise Emotional Release

Picture the anxious thoughts as leaves drifting down a stream, passing by without pulling you under. Let them flow away until your mind finds a moment of stillness.


7. Set Gentle Boundaries with Yourself

Avoid triggers like stalking social media or replaying conversations. If these habits pull you into overthinking, swap them with healing routines like reading, journaling, or a calming walk.


8. Create a “Grounding Box”

Fill a small box with comforting items—smooth sea stones, a fidget toy, a soothing essential oil sample. Keep it near you. When anxiety strikes, open the box, touch the objects and breathe.


9. Lean on Support

Reach out to a trusted friend or family member. Share how you're feeling, or journal your thoughts before a call to keep the conversation directed and healing.


10. Plan Emotional Check-Ins

Set gentle reminders to pause twice daily. Spend two minutes: breathe, observe your current thought patterns, write a brief check-in. Over time, you’ll gain insight into anxiety triggers and find space for healing.


How Journals Support This Journey

The Anxiety Journal offers guided pages to explore recurring thought patterns, making it easier to notice and disrupt them. Complement this with gratitude or breakup reflections for balanced self-care.


Be Kind to Your Process

Breakups take time to heal. If your thoughts won't slow down, meet yourself with compassion—not frustration. Each mindful moment, small ritual, or page of writing is a step toward rebuilding your calm.

Back to blog

Leave a comment