Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Paola Castillo

Moving On
Simple strategies to silence the echoes of the past and embrace a future without them

Endings are usually complicated. Sometimes you have the energy to end a toxic relationship on your own, and sometimes the toxic person ends your relationship for you. The real question is how to stop thinking about someone and forgo the associated sinking feelings of hurt or longing. If you’re struggling to move on, here are 10 tips on how to stop thinking about someone and start the journey of moving on.

In an ideal world, having a toxic someone leave first means you get to avoid confrontation. However, that doesn’t mean that you’re getting away scot-free with no emotional ebb and flow – only that your perspective on the end is different. Thinking about someone you once knew is not necessarily something you can control, but you can redirect the energy spent on them towards something more useful that adds to your personal growth.

Table Of Contents
  1. Moving On: How to Stop Thinking About Someone
  2. Conclusion

Moving On: How to Stop Thinking About Someone

Take Them Off Social Media

Social media is ingrained in all that you do. Whether it’s for professional use or personal, it’s easier than ever to see posts from people you don’t want to.

Moving on from a relationship can be challenging, especially when constant reminders are just a click away. To free yourself from the grip of lingering thoughts and emotions, consider this step on how to stop thinking about someone.

Enjoy A Hobby

Often, it’s best to throw yourself into something new and stay busy. If you enjoy group activities, then rally your friends for group outings. If going solo is more your thing, then go for that. Hobbies are a great way to be present and to do something fun. Moving on from a relationship involves more than just filling your time; it’s about redirecting your focus and reclaiming your individuality.

Go Out With Friends

No man or woman is an island. Friends make forgetting someone just a bit easier, and they probably make it more fun too. It’s a common trap everyone falls into when they spend a lot of time with someone, which is ignoring a large chunk of your friends. Time is finite, so it’s no surprise choices are made between people. Moving on from a significant relationship involves reconnecting with your support system. It’s not just about rebuilding relationships but also about rediscovering the joy of friendships and shared experiences. Now is the perfect time to rebuild relationships and get back out there, focusing on how to stop thinking about someone by immersing yourself in the support and companionship of friends.

Throw An Ending Party

Oh, the epic ending party. These parties can be called divorce parties, break-up parties, new lease-on-life parties, etc. – they are just public battle cries to show the world you are ready to be back in society and have fun. These parties are especially fun when you theme them, maybe even having a little bonfire to throw out memorabilia that reminds you of the person you are trying to forget. Think of this party as an ode to Vikings as you burn and pillage your living space to signify moving on and celebrating how to stop thinking about someone. It’s a symbolic way of cleansing your surroundings and embracing the freedom to live without the reminders of the past.

Learn A New Skill

Learning a new skill can be beneficial in many ways when it comes to moving on and figuring out how to stop thinking about someone. First off, it can expose you to a whole new group of people who are in the same learning boat as you, which already sets the precedent for a bond. Second, it’s an opportunity to grow as a person and illuminate parts of yourself you didn’t realize that was hiding within you. There is a plethora of skills out there that you can learn, which is exciting even if you have no clue what to do.

Maybe you’ll pick something that you’ve always wanted to do. You can also put random things in a hat and let fate decide what you’re going to learn. Regardless of how it happens, it’s a surefire way to help you stop thinking about certain people because of how present you will be in this new experience.

Travel

What could be better than a change of scenery after a split from someone you want to forget? Travel can be a European getaway or a staycation, but either way, it’s a great way to disconnect and see there’s more the world has beyond your little bubble of daily life. Traveling can also be a goal that you want to hit by saving money. You can use this as an opportunity to stay focused or maybe go somewhere the person you’re trying to forget never wanted to go.

Move Your Body

Exercise and hitting new physical goals can be rewarding for your mind, body, and spirit. Moving toxicity out of your body is a way to ground yourself physically and feel better. Moving your body can also come in a variety of ways, from yoga to rock climbing or really whatever else you want to do. If you’ve always wanted to try something and the person that you’re trying to forget never wanted to do it, now is the time to do as you please!

Look Forward And Plan New Things

Often the hardest part of moving on is scrapping the plans you and the person made before you parted. If you’re a paper and pencil kind of person, then a lot of future dates you had with this person may be written down. Fear not; it’s not set in stone! Take the time to plan something for yourself or with your friends. It can be a trip, a night out, or really whatever you want. The point is to have something to look forward to and see that there is more to life than the person you were with.

The odd thing about being split from someone is that for such an intense period they are immersed in everything that you do. On the flip side, that’s also why this new time should be treated with awe and wonder. Yes, some moments are hard, but the reality is you keep moving forward.

Meditate

Thoughts are clouds that we can either allow to pass us by or engage us in their misty state. Mediation is a great way of bringing clarity back into the picture. It can come in a variety of ways. Meditation doesn’t necessarily mean you sit in a dark room with chants playing in the background, but it can depend on your personality. Regardless, daily meditation is a great form of self-care that can allow you to sink deeper into important thoughts while filtering others out.

Therapy can also be included in this treatment and could prove to be beneficial in helping you to stop thinking about someone. Whatever you decide, do it with mindfulness, and you will see how much less you engage in thoughts about the person you are trying to forget.

Indulge (Responsibly)

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Ultimately, you may try to do the self-help and Eat, Pray, Love route. Sometimes, however, you just have to indulge your ego. A little indulgence can be fun and can momentarily allow you to stop thinking about someone. Of course, safety is always a priority. However, letting loose and indulging in things that you’ve always wanted like a makeover or some designer bag can prove to be beneficial. There are no rules when it comes to indulging. It’s just supposed to be a fun (and safe) way to release.

Conclusion

Thinking about someone is not something you can control, but there are things you can do to alleviate the symptoms and make progress in moving on. And while there are no set rules for how to stop thinking about someone, forgetting them is really beside the point. Most importantly, remember that you can enjoy your best life with or without them.

What does it mean if you can’t stop thinking about someone?

Sometimes, such as in the early phases of a love relationship, being unable to stop thinking about someone can be acceptable or even enjoyable. However, it may become problematic if it is associated with a more serious mental health condition or if it interferes with other aspects of your life.

What does moving on from a relationship mean?

When you move on from a relationship, you stop allowing the other person to dominate your thoughts and cease letting the relationship dictate your decisions. Some people can assume that someone has moved on when they enter a new relationship.

How do you get rid of thinking about someone?

Here are some strategies to refocus your energy, forget about that special someone, and restore your peace of mind:
– Recognize that love is something you deserve.
– Concentrate on embracing and accepting who you are.
– Rely on your network of support.
– Consider this: What does this individual truly mean to you?
– Remove their social media following.

How to start moving on from a relationship?

You can get started on the path ahead with the aid of these pointers for moving on and how to stop thinking about someone:
– Recognize the reality of the circumstance.
– Determine your relationship’s needs and deal-breakers.
– Recognize the value that the love held for you.
– Consider the future.
– Give other relationships a priority.
– Take some time for yourself.
– Allow yourself some room.
– Recognize that it can take some time.

Why can’t I stop thinking about someone from the past?

Though it’s not always the case, missing them is the primary and most evident reason you might be thinking of someone from the past. You were acquainted with this individual at some point, thus it makes sense to be curious about their whereabouts and state of affairs. It’s also normal if you do miss them.

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Meet Kourtney, a fashion and beauty enthusiast who tells stories through style. To her, clothing is a language, and every accessory adds punctuation to her narrative. Kourtney explores vintage fashion markets on weekends, blending classic with contemporary to create a signature style that reflects her vibrant personality. Beyond aesthetics, she's a passionate advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion, celebrating diversity to ensure everyone feels seen and embraced.