You Can Heal A Broken Heart: Scientists Discover We're 'Hardwired' To Move On

Can You Ever Get Over A Broken Heart? Science Says Yes
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What becomes of the broken hearted?

If you've been enjoying thoughts of your ex pining after you, you may want to stop reading now.

Scientists have discovered that humans are actually 'hardwired' to overcome heartbreak and find new love.

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The researchers conducted a review of studies that examined the process of falling out of love and breaking up, which - in the spirit of the language of love - they call 'primary mate ejection'.

They also looked into the process of moving on to develop a new romantic relationship, which they call 'secondary mate ejection' (which is a great term to call to mind when someone next accuses you of being on the rebound).

"It suggests people will recover; the pain will go away with time. There will be a light at the end of the tunnel."

The researchers added that the ability to break up and find someone new to love lies along a continuum, and is influenced by environmental and genetic factors, which in layman terms means that not everyone's experience of heartbreak will be the same and some people are more likely to have problems moving on than others.

So if you're struggling to get over the end of a relationship, the good news is you will, - that's a scientific fact.

On the other hand your ex is probably over you.

Sorry.

Boutwell hopes that further research into the science of breakups might lead us to a better understanding of the difficulties that can creep into a romantic relationship.

"If we better understand mate ejection, it may offer direct and actionable insight into ways in which couples can save a relationship that might otherwise come to stultifying and abrupt halt," he said.

Previous research has used brain scans to show that our brains change when we fall in love - and when we fall out of love.

A group of scientists from China and Australia found that after a breakup, activity in the brain's reward center decreases, indicating a drop in pleasure.

Anna Zilverstand, co-author of the study, told The Huffington Post that she hopes the research may help in developing 'interventions to alleviate the negative impact of breakup'.

So with so many scientists hard at work, hopefully the misery of a broken heart will soon be a thing of the past.

13 Ways To Get Over A Breakup
Get Out Of Your Negative Thinking (01 of13)
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Most people going through a breakup are constantly reliving and thinking about all the negativity in their lives and within themselves, says clinical hypnotherapist and author Colin Christopher. So, instead of giving up on love or lowering your self-esteem, spend 10 minutes a day reciting positive thoughts to yourself. "For example: 'I am strong, confident, attractive and make a great life partner.'" (credit:ULTRA F via Getty Images)
Take A Break (02 of13)
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Don't jump back into the dating pool so soon. Take some time to recover from your breakup before seeing someone new. "This isn’t a race and only you will know when you’re ready," Christopher says. (credit:Christopher Hope-Fitch via Getty Images)
Seek Support (03 of13)
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There's no reason to ride the emotional roller coaster alone. Seek support by talking to your close friends, family members or a therapist. You can always browse groups on Facebook or online forums to see if anyone else is experiencing the same thing (and know that they will be!). (credit:Christopher Futcher via Getty Images)
Do Something Fun(04 of13)
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When was the last time you had fun by yourself or with someone other than your ex-girlfriend or boyfriend? "Immediately following a breakup, do something you really enjoy doing. It could be mountain climbing, exercising, bird watching, taking that trip to Europe with your best friend or whatever," Christopher says. (credit:James Oliver via Getty Images)
Don't Play The Blame Game(05 of13)
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Whether you feel the breakup was a result of your actions or something your ex did, stop playing the blame game. See this breakup as a learning experience and put the focus on moving on instead. (credit:Artistan via Getty Images)
Learn To Let Go(06 of13)
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When you’re fresh out of a relationship, there is a tendency to reread old emails, love letters and even try to accidentally have a run-in with your ex. Don't do this. "The best way to move on is to forget about him or her altogether. Delete old emails, take them out of your contacts list and don’t spy on them on Facebook." (credit:Design Pics via Getty Images)
Focus On The Future (07 of13)
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The best thing about breakups is that they allow you to go into a new relationship with a new mindset. "When you’re ready to move on, think about what your life looks like next year at this time. Define what you really want," he says. Christopher suggests writing down what your ideal mate looks like and activities you would want to with them — it's fine to get excited about dating again. (credit:ViewStock via Getty Images)
Don't Hook Up With An Old Fling (08 of13)
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When you go through a breakup, that feeling of being wanted and needed is absent, especially sexually. "Many people have a tendency to contact a long lost ex who knows them well and could make them feel comfortable and wanted again," he says. While this might seem like a good idea, it will actually hold you back from moving on. (credit:David Zach via Getty Images)
Get Out of The House(09 of13)
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It's easy to stay inside and disconnect yourself from the world — or spend hours filling your social media feeds with sappy quotes and video clips. "This perpetuates feeling lonely. Get out with friends/family at least three times in a week doing something social (work doesn't count), so you're not home alone feeling bad," Christopher says. (credit:@mr.jerry via Getty Images)
Make New Friends (10 of13)
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Your current friends can be an excellent support network, but this doesn't mean you can't add new faces into your life. Hit up a bar with your besties, join a new community group or join a local gym to meet new people. (credit:Michael Blann via Getty Images)
Speaking Of The Gym.. (11 of13)
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"Exercise can rejuvenate your body and can release endorphins that make you feel better and improves your energy levels to help you feel better about yourself faster," Christopher says. You can also try meditation, yoga or a boot camp class to challenge and distract you. (credit:Gary Burchell via Getty Images)
Stay Away From Those Rom Coms(12 of13)
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You may think "The Notebook" and other relationship movies give you solace, but they are movies and not real life, Christopher notes. "They are no substitute for interacting with real people and getting out into the real world and building your own happy ending." (credit:Cultura/Liam Norris via Getty Images)
Avoid Booze(13 of13)
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Let's face it, a lot of us can suppress our feelings or feel better when we're drinking alcohol in large quantities. "Many times you may feel better when you are drinking; however, alcohol is a depressant and any short term euphoria you feel will be dashed by the feelings of loneliness or a hangover the next day." (credit:Tom Merton via Getty Images)