Unfortunately, I had my first heart break recently. Fortunately, I had friends and family who were there to support me and give me tips and tricks on how to get through each day. I'm not saying that it won't be difficult even with friends and family: IT WILL BE. But it will get better day by day if you do things for yourself and focus on those who love you and want to spend all their time with you. If you are absolutely miserable (you probably will be for awhile), here are some tips and tricks and helpful hints so that you smile a little more and cry a little less.

1. Get a haircut

I know this sounds absolutely ridiculous but it's not. After my break-up, I changed my hair completely. I got bangs, more blonde, and an undercut. After the haircut, I felt amazing about myself. I felt so confident and different and beautiful. Do something for you. This is exactly what I did for myself.

2. Go shopping

Again, I did this as well. My wallet may be drained BUT I am feeling great about myself lately. I feel beautiful and like I'm rediscovering who I am. It may not seem like something significant but it truly makes you look at yourself in the mirror differently.

3. Go to the gym

To be honest, I've been to the gym more since my breakup than I did all of last year. I'm in terrible shape but it feels absolutely amazing to go back and try to get back into shape. If you hate going to the gym, start off slow. I started going and staying for 20 minutes and slowly I had 5 more minutes onto each work out. It's an easy way to slowly get in shape. You'll feel amazing once you leave.

4. Watch "How to be Single"

DO IT DO IT DO IT. You may cry but honestly, it has an amazing message.

5. Plan a party

This will: 1) not only give you something to preoccupy your mind with but 2) will also give you the chance to spend time with people who mean a lot to you. What better way to get over someone than to celebrate yourself and the people that you still have in your life?

6. Write

I know it's completely and utterly cliche but truthfully, writing out your feelings is the best medicine. Whenever you want to text the person that broke your heart: write it in a word document and then save it. Watch your progress as the weeks progress and see how far you've come. You get to write out your feelings but also get to watch your progress and stay motivated because you can see how strong you are becoming.

7. Name 5 things that make you happy

I do this over Twitter. Every day I write down 5 things that made me happy that day. It can be something small like seeing a dog on campus or it can be something bigger like getting a job. But whatever it is: it makes you happy and those are the things that are important to remember.

8. Eat ice cream

Another cliche, but again, completely worth it.

9. Talk about it

You don't have to hold your emotions in. The people that care about you won't care if you ramble on about it. They are there to help and hold you through the tough times. They want to hear about everything that's going on and be there to support you. It's completely worth it to talk about it with people.

10. Join a club.

Keeping busy is the best way to stop thinking about your break-up. Do something you have ALWAYS wanted to do whether it be a dancing, art, or sports club. It will preoccupy your time and get your mind off of your broken heart.

11. Cry

If there's one thing I learned it would be: It's okay to cry. It's okay to hurt and it's okay to admit that you are not fine. I had a problem with this for awhile but I admit, I'm not okay. I'll admit, I cry. A lot. And it's okay. I'm human. You're human. Do not think that you are wrong for crying. Sometimes crying is exactly what you need at the end of the day.

I hope you never have to go through a break-up. Or feel the pain of your heart shattering into a million pieces. But if you do, I hope this article helps. I really do.