10 Healthy, Non-Masochistic Ways To Heal After You've Been Dumped

Ice cream, alcohol and meaningless hookups are the the go-to antidotes for a bad breakup and are often about distraction rather than relief. What's more, they tend to injure more than assuage, as if the breakup itself didn't cause enough pain. 

But instead of dwelling in your misery, it's best to learn how to deal with heartbreak. And the best way to do that is by following these 10 healthy methods for how to get over a breakup, none of which include booze, food or flings.

1. Buy the "Dumped! Fun and Games Activity Book."

This offers such whimsical games as "I Cried to Smell Few (I Tried to Tell You)." Help broken-hearted "Sam" decipher what his friends have been telling him about his now ex-girlfriend in lines such as "Why stink clue fan screw fetter." Translation: "I think you can do better."

RELATED: 5 Ways To Never Experience Heartbreak Ever Again

2. Surround yourself with happy people.

Research from Harvard and the University of California, San Diego shows happiness is "infectious," so take up with a group of friends or organization that you know is high on life.

3. Share your story.

Log on to You Broke Up How and submit your breakup e-mails or IM conversations. The names are changed, so it's an anonymous way to have complete strangers tell you what a jerk he was. Your friends need a break anyway.

4. Listen to music.

From Pink to Kanye, listening to the best breakup songs will help you get back on your feet and finally learn how to get over a breakup in a healthy way.

5. Learn boxing.

Get angry — then get ripped. Check out your local gym or fitness center to see which ones offer classes.

6. Give your home a makeover.

Following feng shui principles can help you clear out the emotional and physical clutter from your previously shared space.

RELATED: 10 Mantras That Will Get You Over That God-Awful Breakup STAT

7. Get even.

And you can do it without getting a restraining order. Practice your frustrations on a voodoo doll instead.

8. Write it out.

Whether on a blog, in a journal or in a letter you may decide never to send, getting the words from brain to paper or screen can improve your mental and physical health.

9. Volunteer for a cause you feel passionate about.

Or help those whose plight might give you a new perspective on your own. Volunteer Match can help you find the right place and the right time.

10. Find a new scent.

Learn to associate the smell of a new perfume, candle, flower or detergent — even with your new, improved and single self. Take a sniff every time the breakup blues arise.

Of course, sometimes a glass (okay, or a bottle) of wine, meeting someone new or buying a hot new dress is the just what the doctor ordered. Ultimately, do what feels right to you and remember: this, too, shall pass.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why Some People Just Can't Let Go After A Breakup

Genevieve Lill is the Editor in Chief of Simplemost.