No-Contact After a Breakup: Why It's the Best Thing for You

No-contact is a concept in psychology or relationship therapy that involves ceasing all communication with an individual or group, often as a result of a difficult break-up or a complicated relationship dynamic. Many people fear the idea of going cold turkey with their ex and worry about the associated implications, such as obsessing over their partner or even “stalking” them through social media. In reality, no-contact can strangely be the best thing for you after a difficult breakup, allowing you to focus on yourself without the external distraction of your ex. Below, we explore why no-contact is the best thing for you after a breakup and how it can lead you to a more rewarding life.

The Benefits of Going No-Contact

When a relationship ends, it can be incredibly difficult to let go and move on. As we all know, the more we think about someone, the harder the situation becomes. This is why no-contact is so important — by cutting off our source of romantic thoughts and by removing the external distraction of our ex, we can start to rethink the breakup objectively and try to think about what it means for our personal lives.

Another benefit of no-contact is that it gives us an opportunity to focus on our own well-being. While we may still have feelings for our ex, intense emotions can be draining and can make it difficult to focus on anything else. By avoiding contact, we can direct our emotional energy into ourselves and start to properly heal from the breakup.

Furthermore, no-contact is beneficial for our future relationships. By taking some time to reflect on the past and focus on one's own emotional needs, we can “reset” ourselves and be better prepared for the next relationship, whether it be a friend, significant other, or family member. This emotional healing can actually be more beneficial than continuing to rely on our ex for emotional support, as oftentimes this contact only hinders an individual's progress in terms of recovery and personal growth.

No Contact and Mental Health

No-contact also has significant implications when it comes to mental health. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, 84% of respondents agreed that technology plays a role in placing a strain on relationships. As a result of this technology, people are more exposed to their exes and struggle to reach closure after a breakup. Moreover, when we are constantly reminded of our ex, it can trigger relapses of our emotional wounds and cause psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety.

Although every individual is different and hence handles break-ups in their own way, it’s important to take a step back and truly assess what’s best for your mental health — and sometimes, that might mean going no-contact. One study suggested that no-contact can improve an individual’s overall subjective satisfaction, meaning that they’re happier and more content with who they are post-breakup.

How to Implement No-Contact

Although at first it might seem daunting, it’s important to keep in mind why you’re going no-contact, for both your own mental health and for the furtherance of your relationship with your ex. Here are a few tips on how to correctly implement no-contact:

• Remind yourself that this is for the best.

• Unfollow and unfriend your ex on social media.

• Avoid places where you might see your ex.

• Don’t talk about your ex to friends and family.

• Find a hobby or task to occupy your time.

• Ask loved ones and friends for support.

Overall, no-contact is an incredibly powerful tool when it comes to navigating a tough breakup. Depending on the situation and the individuals involved, it can be used both to heal the people involved and to cultivate healthier relationships after the fact. Although it might be initially difficult to let go, implementing no-contact can help you move on and become the best version of yourself after a difficult breakup.