Breaking Up With The Things That Aren't Good For Your Mental Health

SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO LET GO. HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO MAKE THAT PROCESS EASIER.

By Kristina Benoist

The people and things that we surround ourselves with can either help us become the best versions of ourselves or can leave a negative impact on our mental health.

We all need people and things in our life to help our mental health and lift us up. The tough reality is, there are going to be some things in your life that you just have to let go of. It may be a toxic friendship, a workplace that makes you unhappy, a city that holds bad memories, or a romantic relationship that you’ve outgrown. You may have to let go of what’s no longer serving you. Easier said than done, right? Here are a few ways to ease the pain.

1. Ask yourself some questions

Before you make any big decisions, take some time to really reflect on what you’re feeling. How is a certain situation or relationship making you feel? Why are you thinking of letting it go in the first place? What change are you hoping for in the future? These are big questions, and sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint an exact answer. But it’s worth putting in some thought.

2. Remember it’s okay to change

Sometimes we have to just come to terms with the fact that we change and grow. If you wait and wait to let go of something, that’s when things can get ugly. Give yourself permission to change and grow! It’s okay to decide that something that once felt right isn’t right for you anymore.

3. Realize comfort isn’t always happiness

We get used to the familiarity of a situation, but we don’t realize that it may not be what’s good for you anymore. Comfort isn’t the same thing as happiness. And this goes both ways. Just because something isn’t comfortable (yet) doesn’t mean it’s bad for you. When we change and grow, it can be a little uncomfortable at first.

4. Be confident in your decisions

It’s so easy to get stuck in the guilt or initial regret that comes with walking away from something or someone. But you don’t have to apologize for doing what’s right for you. You can still have compassion for someone or something but know that it’s not the best thing for your life! Even when other people — outside of the situation — question you or doubt you, be confident that you are just looking out for your well-being. In situations where you’re letting go of a friendship or relationship, you have to remember that you aren’t responsible for their healing.

5. Reflect on the good

Understand that something can be successful even if it doesn't last forever. Everything that you do is a learning experience, and sometimes we just need to appreciate the lessons we learned from it and then let it go. Try not to let the negativity of ending something take away from the positivity that existed at some point.