
How to Forget Your Ex? 10 Practical Ways That Actually Work
Table of Contents
- 10 Ways to Forget Your Ex
- Clear Out Sentimental Items from Your Space
- Cut Communication: Block, Mute, Delete
- Replace Old Routines with New Experiences
- Journal Honestly About Their Flaws
- Make Shared Spaces Feel Brand New
- Social Media Detox: Go Cold Turkey
- Take on a Physically Challenging Hobby
- Write a Goodbye Letter You’ll Never Send
- Practice Visualizing a Life Without Them
- Find Humor in the Painful Moments
- How to Move On and Bounce Back
- Life Architekture as Your Life Coach
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Forgetting your ex starts with practical steps like decluttering sentimental items and cutting communication to create room for emotional healing.
- Replacing shared routines with new habits and hobbies shifts your focus and builds a sense of purpose beyond the past relationship.
- Moving forward comes from building personal routines, fostering gratitude, setting goals, and embracing emotional resilience with time and self-compassion.
Letting go of someone is never easy. Memories, places, and routines can tether you to emotions you’re trying to leave behind. This guide offers ten unique, practical ways to take back control of your thoughts and move forward. If you’re ready to turn the page and truly reset, these steps will help you break ties and create the space you need to heal.
10 Ways to Forget Your Ex
1. Clear Out Sentimental Items from Your Space
Every item around you tied to your past relationship carries an emotional weight. From photos to gifts, these things quietly hold you back without you even noticing. Take a proactive step by gathering these belongings and deciding what to do with them. You can donate, toss, or box them away, but keep them out of sight.
For example, replace a framed photo with a new piece of art, or switch out playlists that remind you of your ex with fresh music. Even rearranging furniture can change the energy of a space, giving you a sense of renewal. Clearing your environment clears your mind.
2. Cut Communication: Block, Mute, Delete
It’s impossible to heal when reminders of someone are still popping up on your screen. Even the smallest interaction can pull you back emotionally. Don’t hesitate to follow a No Contact Rule, block numbers, mute notifications, or delete conversations. This isn’t an act of hostility; it’s an act of self-protection. If you’re tempted to check their social media, remove their accounts entirely from your feed.
Cutting communication ensures that you no longer reach for the false comfort of their presence. A good example is deleting old text threads that you’ve re-read countless times or even muting them on shared group chats to avoid accidental updates. Prioritize your peace.

3. Replace Old Routines with New Experiences
Shared habits or routines with your ex can keep you emotionally stuck. Instead of repeating the same actions in the same settings, replace them with new experiences. For instance, if you always visit a particular coffee shop together, choose a new place to make fresh memories.
If evenings were spent watching favorite shows together, take this time to try something different like joining a class or picking up a creative hobby. The goal is to disrupt patterns and create space for personal growth. Over time, these new routines will feel like second nature and leave no room for the past to linger.
4. Journal Honestly About Their Flaws
It’s easy to look back on a relationship and only remember the good times. But focusing on their flaws helps break the idealization that prevents you from moving forward. Get a notebook and write down specific behaviors or actions that caused frustration, hurt, or disappointment.
Be honest, even about the little things. For example, write down times they broke promises, ignored your opinions, or undermined your confidence. This practice isn’t about negativity; it’s about remembering the reality of the situation to stop placing them on a pedestal. Rereading this journal when you’re feeling sentimental can help curb any rose-colored thoughts of the past.
5. Make Shared Spaces Feel Brand New
Locations tied to memories with your ex can often feel like emotional landmines. Turn these spaces into something entirely different by changing their look, feel, and purpose. For example, if you always spend time together on the living room couch, rearrange the furniture, or add a new piece like a vibrant rug or bold artwork.
If you share meals in the kitchen, revamp it with fresh décor or even new dishware to make it feel uniquely yours. Making these changes will break the mental association with your ex and create an environment that feels like a fresh start. This simple refresh can have a profound impact on your daily mindset.
6. Social Media Detox: Go Cold Turkey
Even passive exposure to your ex’s life can slow your healing. Seeing their photos, stories, or updates pulls you back into a space of longing or curiosity. A full social media detox may be necessary—not just unfollowing or blocking them. Temporarily log out of platforms or delete apps altogether to ensure you’re not tempted to check up on them.
Replace scrolling with activities like reading or setting goals for your day. For instance, going offline for a week can help shift your focus entirely to what’s happening in your own life, giving you much-needed mental clarity and emotional freedom.
7. Take on a Physically Challenging Hobby
Physical activity has a way of resetting the mind and building confidence. Choosing a hobby that pushes your limits can provide a sense of accomplishment and keep your thoughts occupied. Consider activities like rock climbing, martial arts, or even long-distance running. These hobbies demand focus, discipline, and physical effort, leaving little room for dwelling on the past.
For example, taking weekly climbing sessions can help you concentrate on reaching goals one step at a time, metaphorically and literally. Channeling your energy into something physically demanding creates a positive distraction and strengthens your emotional resilience in the process.

8. Write a Goodbye Letter You’ll Never Send
Writing down your emotions can act as a powerful release. Grab a pen and paper and craft a heartfelt letter to your ex. In this letter, express everything you’ve been holding inside—your pain, anger, gratitude, and even moments of closure. Writing allows you to give form to emotions that are often jumbled in your mind.
However, the key here is not to send the letter. Instead, keep it for yourself, burn it after writing, or even shred it as a symbolic act of letting go. This activity gives you a sense of finality and helps sever lingering emotional ties. For example, you might reflect on the lessons learned while decisively stating the chapter is closed, allowing you to move forward with a lighter heart and a clearer mind.
9. Practice Visualizing a Life Without Them
Your mind can be a powerful tool for shifting perspectives. Take time daily to close your eyes and imagine a fulfilling life that doesn’t include your ex. Picture yourself confidently pursuing your goals, spending time with loved ones, and feeling happier in the future. Visualization helps you actively reframe your sense of self from someone tied to a past relationship into someone thriving independently.
For example, picture yourself smiling at new opportunities, traveling, or reaching milestones without any connection to your ex. This practice signals to your brain that happiness is still attainable and paves the way for creating a reality rooted in this positivity.
10. Find Humor in the Painful Moments
Moving forward doesn’t mean denying the pain but rather learning to reframe it in lighter ways. Humor can be surprisingly therapeutic when it feels like nothing else makes sense. Think about the awkward moments or silly arguments you had with your ex—these can serve as a reminder that even the “perfect” relationship wasn’t without its quirks. You can also lean on funny breakup movies or comedy shows that bring a smile to your face.
For instance, laughing at how you once debated over something trivial like where to order takeout can offer relief from being consumed by sadness. Humor isn’t about dismissing the experience but softening its grip on you, allowing you to see it in a less intense light.
How to Move On and Bounce Back
Moving forward after closing a painful chapter takes time, but it’s critical for rebuilding a stronger, healthier sense of self. Here are practical steps to help you bounce back and create forward momentum:
- Focus on Self-Improvement: Start small but consistent. Learn a new skill, invest in professional growth, or focus on physical health. For example, joining a fitness program can boost your energy and confidence.
- Reconnect with Your Support System: Spend time with friends and family who bring out the best in you. Share your experiences, but also listen and engage with their lives—it’s a reminder that the world doesn’t revolve around your past relationship.
- Create Short-Term Goals: Goals give you purpose and something to look forward to each day. For instance, commit to reading one book a month or running three times a week.
- Journal Your Progress: Document your emotions as they evolve. Write about wins and challenges to monitor growth over time, celebrating the small victories along the way.
- Practice Gratitude: Each day, list three things you’re grateful for, no matter how small. This shifts your focus toward the positives in your life.
Ultimately, bouncing back is a blend of action, reflection, and patience. Give yourself grace, and remember that transformation rarely happens overnight. Instead, by consistently making small, intentional moves, you’ll emerge stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled.
Life Architekture as Your Life Coach
Transitioning to a fulfilled and empowered life after heartbreak requires intentionality and the right guidance. This is where Life Architekture can step in to help you reshape your mindset, rebuild confidence, and rediscover your purpose. With personalized coaching geared toward growth and transformation, we provide the tools to navigate emotional struggles and embrace new opportunities. Whether it’s setting meaningful goals, managing emotions, or adopting daily habits that align with your aspirations, our one-on-one life coaching focuses on empowering people like you to design a life worth living.
We emphasize practical strategies that ensure real, lasting change while helping you take control of your own story. Through our sessions, you’ll uncover your strengths and develop a strong foundation for personal growth, ultimately building a future that no longer revolves around the past. Let us help guide you toward a dynamic, more purposeful version of yourself—one where you regain clarity and excel not just emotionally but in all areas of life!
Final Thoughts
Heartbreak can be overwhelming, but it’s also a time of transformation. By letting go, you’re paving the way for growth, self-discovery, and happiness. Remember, healing takes effort, but each small step brings you closer to a brighter future. Stay kind to yourself and trust the journey ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to cut communication after a breakup?
Cutting communication minimizes emotional triggers and prevents unnecessary pain. It helps create distance, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your identity outside the relationship.
How does getting rid of sentimental items help?
Sentimental items hold emotional weight and can tether you to the past. Removing them from your surroundings creates a mental and physical space for fresh memories and new beginnings.
What is the benefit of taking up a physically challenging hobby?
Physically demanding hobbies engage both your mind and body, providing focus, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment. They act as healthy distractions while boosting confidence and overall well-being.
How can journaling help with moving on?
Journaling lets you process your emotions in an honest way. Writing about their flaws and your personal growth creates clarity, helping you let go of idealized memories and regain perspective.
Why is humor important during a breakup?
Humor lightens emotional heaviness, making it easier to reframe painful moments. Finding laughter in small things adds perspective and reminds you that healing and joy can coexist during difficult times.