Happy Healing
Women's Health South Africa|May 2020
When faced with loss, it’s tempting to want to speed up the get-over-it process as much as possible, especially if the event seems unworthy of a big reaction. But doing so can make it harder to heal. Move through the tough stuff with grace
Kristin Canning
Happy Healing

I won’t lie: 2019 was a rough year.

(Unfortunately, 2020 is looking even worse #rona.) I went through two deeply impactful break-ups, my job responsibilities changed drastically and a shoulder surgery tabled my active lifestyle. I realise it was a lot, but at the time, I remember feeling a bit ashamed of how sad, angry and disappointed each situation made me. I mean, the relationships hadn’t been that long and the career stress and surgery felt like “first-world problems.” Hey, at least I had a job with medical aid! But resolving to just “get over it” isn’t always the right move. In fact, I felt better once I stopped beating myself up for having negative reactions that lasted longer than I wanted.

What I wish I knew sooner: I’m not alone in feeling big emotions over circumstances on the more “trivial” end of the spectrum. When more than 1 000 people in the US responded to a recent survey about grief, the majority said they lamented the loss of a friendship or a relationship as deeply as they would the death of a family member or close friend. In many instances, these losses actually took longer to get over than a death, possibly because there wasn’t closure. More than half of folks who experienced grief also felt others expected them to move on after about three months – far sooner than they were ready to.

So why do certain life stumbles hurt like hell? And how do you move on in a healthy way? I asked mental health pros why four common stings tend to linger and, thankfully, they also offered up their step-by-step exit plans to help you (and me!) emerge stronger and better after each one.

THE SHORT-RELATIONSHIP BREAK-UP

Bu hikaye Women's Health South Africa dergisinin May 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Women's Health South Africa dergisinin May 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

WOMEN'S HEALTH SOUTH AFRICA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Irreconcilable Differences?
Women's Health South Africa

Irreconcilable Differences?

You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.

time-read
4 dak  |
July - August 2024
Hot And Bothered
Women's Health South Africa

Hot And Bothered

Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.

time-read
3 dak  |
July - August 2024
Self-esteem under the microscope
Women's Health South Africa

Self-esteem under the microscope

The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.

time-read
7 dak  |
July - August 2024
the reset
Women's Health South Africa

the reset

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024
Mind Over Muscle
Women's Health South Africa

Mind Over Muscle

Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?

time-read
2 dak  |
July - August 2024
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Women's Health South Africa

ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE

Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.

time-read
4 dak  |
July - August 2024
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
Women's Health South Africa

Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free

The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*

time-read
7 dak  |
July - August 2024
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Women's Health South Africa

FUEL YOUR SKIN

Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.

time-read
5 dak  |
July - August 2024
How To Be Decisive
Women's Health South Africa

How To Be Decisive

You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.

time-read
5 dak  |
July - August 2024
Build A Strong Base
Women's Health South Africa

Build A Strong Base

You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024