Breakups are never easy, and the question, “How long will it take to move on?” is one that often lingers in the aftermath. The truth is, there’s no definitive answer. While some people seem to recover quickly, others may take months or even years to heal.

Moving on isn’t just to get over your ex; it’s about rebuilding your sense of self and rediscovering joy in your own life. The journey is deeply personal and influenced by factors like the length of the relationship, the emotional intensity, and how the breakup happened.

While there’s no magic formula, understanding the process can make it less overwhelming and remind you that, in time, things will get better.

 How Long Does It Take to Get Over Your Ex?

The timeline for moving on after a breakup isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone processes heartbreak differently, and the time it takes to heal depends on several personal and situational factors. 

What Science Says

Studies suggest that, on average, it takes about 11 weeks to feel better after a breakup, though more intense relationships can take 6 months or longer to heal fully. However, these numbers are only generalizations, and everyone’s journey is different.

Healing isn’t a race, and there’s no set timeline for when you “should” feel better. Allow yourself the time you need, and focus on small steps forward instead of comparing your progress to others.

The Stages of Moving On

Moving on from a breakup is rarely a straight path. It’s a process that involves navigating through various emotional stages. Understanding these stages can help you make sense of your feelings and remind you that progress, even if slow, is still progress.

Stage 1: Denial and Shock: Difficulty accepting the breakup and holding on to hope that things might go back to how they were.

Stage 2: Anger and Resentment: Feelings of hurt and frustration, often accompanied by blaming your ex, yourself, or the situation.

Stage 3: Bargaining: Replaying “what-if” scenarios and imagining ways to fix the relationship or reconcile.

Stage 4: Sadness and Grief: Experiencing loneliness and mourning the loss of the relationship and the future you envisioned.

Stage 5: Acceptance and Growth: Recognizing that the relationship is over and embracing new opportunities while rediscovering your independence.

These stages aren’t always linear. You may revisit certain feelings along the way, but each step brings you closer to healing.

Steps to Heal and Rediscover Yourself

Moving on takes time, but there are steps you can take to help the healing process along the way. Focusing on self-care, building new routines, and seeking support can make a world of difference.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Take care of your physical and emotional health by eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest. Activities like yoga, journaling, or meditation can help reduce stress and clear your mind.

• Cut Off Unhealthy Contact: Limit or eliminate communication with your ex to create space for healing. Constantly checking their social media or staying in touch can slow down your progress.

• Rediscover Your Passions: Reignite hobbies or explore new interests that bring you joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s painting, hiking, or learning a new skill, these activities can help rebuild your sense of identity.

• Set Personal Goals: Focus on improving yourself in ways that inspire you, like pursuing career ambitions, learning a language, or improving your fitness. Growth can be empowering and uplifting.

Healing is about focusing on yourself and your well-being. The more you invest in self-discovery and personal growth, the faster you’ll regain confidence and emotional balance.

While it’s natural to feel pain and sadness after a breakup, dwelling on these emotions can prevent growth. Taking proactive steps toward self-care and rediscovery can help you move forward from the past into a brighter future.

Red Flags That You May Be Struggling to Move On

While healing takes time, there are signs that you might be struggling to move on. Recognizing these red flags can help you address underlying emotions and take steps toward progress.

• Obsessively Checking Your Ex’s Social Media: Constantly monitoring their updates or stalking their online activity can keep you emotionally tied to the past.

• Replaying the Breakup Repeatedly: If you find yourself fixating on “what went wrong” without gaining closure, it could be a sign you’re stuck in the grieving process.

• Avoiding New Opportunities: Hesitating to try new things, meet new people, or embrace change may indicate fear of moving forward.

• Difficulty Letting Go of Hope: Holding onto the idea of getting back together, despite signs that it’s unlikely, can prevent you from healing.

• Overwhelming Sadness or Loneliness: If negative emotions persist and interfere with your daily life, it may be time to seek additional support.

If these feelings persist or become overwhelming, consider reaching out to a therapist or counsellor. Professional guidance can provide tools and strategies to help you work through unresolved emotions.

Moving Forward: Life After the Breakup

Once you’ve navigated the initial stages of healing, it’s time to focus on rebuilding your life and embracing new opportunities. Moving forward is about rediscovering yourself and creating a future that excites you.

• Reframe the Relationship: Instead of dwelling on the pain, reflect on the lessons learned. Ask yourself what the relationship taught you about your needs, boundaries, and values. This mindset helps transform the experience into a stepping stone for growth.

• Rebuild Your Identity: Breakups can leave a void, but they also create space to reconnect with your individuality. Focus on what makes you happy—whether it’s hobbies, career goals, or exploring new interests.

• Start Dating When You’re Ready: When the time feels right, consider meeting new people. Take it slow and focus on having fun rather than rushing into a new relationship.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge the progress you’ve made, no matter how small. Each step forward, from feeling less emotional to trying something new, is worth celebrating.

The end of one chapter is the start of another, and this is your chance to write a story that’s even better.

SparkLove: Finding New Joys and Experiences

When you’re ready to move on and embrace new beginnings, SparkLove can be the perfect companion to help you rediscover happiness. Instead of jumping into traditional dating, SparkLove focuses on building connections through shared activities and experiences.

• Shared Activities: SparkLove matches you with people who share your interests, whether it’s hiking, painting classes, or exploring the city’s best cafes.

• Unique Joys: By focusing on shared passions, SparkLove makes meeting new people less about swiping and more about creating real, memorable moments.

SparkLove offers a simple way to book activities directly through the app. Whether it’s a pottery class or a weekend adventure, you can plan everything in just one click.

Ready to take the next step? Download SparkLove today and start creating new memories that remind you of the beauty of moving forward.