Getting stuck in a cycle of obsessing over someone can take over your life. I’ve been there myself, and I know how it can feel like that person is constantly on your mind.
Whether it’s an ex, a crush, or even someone you haven’t dated, these overwhelming thoughts can wear you down and negatively affect your mental health.
Through my personal experience and some research, I’ve discovered ways to break free from this cycle. It isn’t easy, but with the right mindset and approach, it’s possible.
Here are 14 Practical Ways to Stop Obsessing Over Someone and regain control of your life.
1. Limit Contact With Them
The first step is to cut back on how much you see or talk to the person you’re obsessing over.
This includes face-to-face interactions, texting, calling, or scrolling through their social media profiles. I know it’s hard, but it’s necessary.
When you limit contact, you allow yourself to take a step back and regain emotional control, which will help you stop feeding the obsession.
2. Remove Reminders Of Them From Your Environment
Take a good look around your space, do you have reminders of this person everywhere? It could be photos, gifts, or even small things like their favorite snacks.
These things keep them fresh in your mind. To help yourself move on, start by removing these reminders from your environment.
The saying “out of sight, out of mind” works for a reason. Put away or get rid of items that trigger thoughts of them.
3. Stay Busy With Activities And Hobbies
One of the most effective ways to prevent your mind from drifting back to obsessive thoughts is by keeping yourself busy.
Start a new hobby, spend more time with friends, or dive into work.
Fill your days with activities that make you feel engaged and fulfilled. The busier you are, the less time you’ll have to dwell on the person.
4. Focus On Self-Improvement And Personal Goals
Instead of focusing on them, focus on YOU. This is the perfect time to work on your personal growth.
Set goals that excite you, whether it’s improving your career, learning something new, or getting in shape.
When you shift your attention to bettering yourself, you’ll find that your obsession starts to fade.
5. Practice Mindfulness And Meditation To Control Your Thoughts
Obsessive thoughts can take over, but mindfulness and meditation can help you get control back.
Practicing mindfulness helps you observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them, and over time, you’ll learn to redirect your mind.
Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, meditation can calm your mind and create emotional distance from the person you’re obsessing over.
6. Seek Support From Friends Or A Therapist
Don’t go through this alone. Reach out to a friend who can provide support and an outside perspective.
Sometimes, having someone else to talk to can help you see the situation more clearly and remind you that life is about more than one person.
If your feelings of obsession feel too overwhelming, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist.
They can offer professional advice to help you process and redirect your feelings.
7. Redirect Your Attention To Other People Or Interests
When you’re stuck on someone, it’s easy to forget all the other wonderful people or things in your life.
Reconnect with family, meet new people, or explore a new interest.
Expanding your social circle and diving into new activities can give you a sense of fulfillment and help ease the emotional reliance on the person you’re obsessing over.
8. Challenge Unrealistic Beliefs About The Person Or The Relationship
Sometimes when we’re obsessing, we idealize the person, imagining them as flawless or perfect.
But no one is perfect, and the relationship or connection may not have been as ideal as you remember.
Take a step back and challenge those unrealistic beliefs. Grounding yourself in reality can help release the emotional grip they have on you.
9. Set Boundaries To Prevent Yourself From Indulging In Obsessive Behaviors
It’s important to set boundaries for yourself. This could mean avoiding places where you might run into the person or resisting the urge to check their social media.
Practicing self-discipline with these boundaries helps you avoid falling back into obsessive behaviors, making it easier for you to move forward.
10. Engage In Physical Exercise To Reduce Stress And Boost Mood
Exercise is great for both your physical and mental health. When you work out, your body releases endorphins, which naturally reduce stress and boost your mood.
This can also provide a healthy distraction from obsessive thoughts.
Whether it’s running, yoga, or a fitness class, moving your body helps shift your mind away from the person.
11. Journaling To Express And Process Your Emotions
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a powerful way to process your emotions.
Journaling gives you a healthy outlet for what you’re feeling, and it can also help you gain insight into why you’re obsessing.
Putting your thoughts on paper allows you to work through those emotions constructively, rather than letting them build up inside.
12. Establish A Routine To Create Structure And Stability In Your Life
When you’re obsessing over someone, it can feel like your life is spinning out of control.
Creating a daily routine can help bring structure and stability back into your life.
By sticking to a routine, you stay busy and productive, leaving less mental energy for obsessive thoughts.
13. Give Yourself Time To Heal And Be Patient With The Process
Getting over someone takes time, and that’s okay. It’s normal to feel hurt or frustrated, but try to remember that healing is a process.
Be patient with yourself and allow yourself the time you need to move on. Eventually, the feelings of obsession will lessen.
14. Know You Are Worthy Of Love
A big part of why people obsess over others is a fear of not being loved or valued. It’s important to remind yourself that you are worthy of love, and one person doesn’t define your value.
By believing in your own self-worth, you take away the power that person has over you.
Conclusion
Overcoming an obsession isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible. By limiting contact, removing reminders, focusing on self-growth, and getting support, you’ll gradually regain control over your emotions.
Remember to be kind to yourself and give it time. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but with each step forward, you’ll feel stronger.
And always know that you deserve love and happiness, regardless of whether this person is in your life. Take it one day at a time, and you’ll find your peace.
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