Unorthodox Ways To Recover From A Breakup, Inspired By Your Zodiac Sign

Heartache is an inevitable, terrible truth of the human condition. On the flip side, unexpected blessings often emerge from emotional pain. It’s possible to fast-track those blessings by taking initiative and trying something new — maybe even uncomfortable — amid the grief. Below are tips for pushing the envelope in order to bounce back after a breakup, according to your zodiac sign.

(PRO TIP: in addition to your sun sign, take a look at your moon and rising signs. Consider combining the advice.) 

Aries

If you know an Aries going through a breakup, there’s one place they need to be: the gym. This fire sign dissolves pain by breaking a sweat. A melancholy Aries should try a new form of fitness — whether it’s hot yoga, kickboxing, rowing, or rock-climbing — and set realistic goals relative to it. By the time they reach their first physical achievement, they’ll be feeling lighter and brighter. 

Taurus 

A broken-hearted Taurus will want to bed rot until further notice. Taurus folk should remember, however, that lazing about only feels good for so long — and coming up for fresh air is crucial. Basically, make your downtrodden Taurus take a brisk walk in between movie marathons. Better yet, they should join a walking group, take weekly hikes, or invest in a treadmill to enforce the habit. They could even profit from it by walking the neighborhood dogs.  

Gemini 

If this sounds super specific, it’s because it is: a grieving Gemini should take up an intellectually stimulating hobby, like playing chess, learning to code, or studying a different language (Duolingo challenges, anyone?). These inquisitive souls must remember to keep their aptitude for learning alive and thriving, especially when they’re heavy-hearted. The distraction is healthy and invigorating. 

Cancer 

A crying Cancer should put those tears to good use and make earnest music to mend their broken hearts. Producing a full length debut album isn’t necessary (but more power to that!) — picking up a new instrument, joining a local band, taking singing lessons, or just hitting the karaoke bar on Tuesdays will suffice. Play or sing away the sorrow, Cancer crooners. 

Leo

Loyal Leo may feel particularly wounded when a serious relationship doesn’t pan out. This sign should channel their need for consistency into caring for a furry friend. A dog or cat will provide the steadfast companionship they seek, but a less mainstream pick works, too. If adopting a pet isn’t doable, we recommend volunteering at a local animal shelter — it will not only feel good to help out, but also jumpstart the healing process.

Virgo 

A heartsick Virgo will want to bury their nose in a book, but they should try their hand at creating reading material, too. From non-fiction essays to creative writing and poetry, this naturally industrious sign will feel rewarded putting pen to paper day after day. And who knows what may come of it? Could be the next New York Times bestselling novel.

Libra

Libras will immediately reach for their friends to trauma dump after a breakup (no shame!). Of course, they should rely on their inner circle to help pull them through, but this social sign should also learn to love their own company. A forlorn Libra should meditate solo every day for at least 20 minutes to achieve mental clarity and become their own best friend along the way. 

Scorpio

A secretive Scorpio will be reluctant to discuss their heartbreak out loud, but there are other ways to communicate grief. We recommend this sign tap into their deeply artistic side and paint or draw as a form of therapeutic release. Scorpios shouldn’t hold back; after all, those intense feelings have to go somewhere — on the canvas is a fine choice. 

Sagittarius 

Outgoing, adventurous Sagittarius will feel burned out after a loss in love, so they should take the opportunity to reset through travel. Whether they’re booking the big international trip they always dreamed of or taking public transit to a new city for a day, a change of environment will do wonders for a sad Sagitarrius. They should document their journey to look back on later. 

Capricorn

The disorder of a breakup will throw a wrench in a Capricorn’s carefully maintained emotions. To regain a sense of control, this sign should pour their feelings out in the kitchen. Grow fruits and veggies, learn to bake, cook a dish from a different country, take a local pasta-making course — hell, become a prizewinning sous chef. (If anyone can master a hobby, it’s a Capricorn.) Their bodies, minds, and hearts will thank them. 

Aquarius 

Another oddly specific recommendation: an Aquarius should sign up for dance classes after suffering heartache. This sign will want to shrink back into themselves when wounded, and it’s important they stay open to avoid becoming, well, avoidant. This form of self-expression requires vulnerability and bravery — especially among a group of strangers. Let Silver Linings Playbook serve as inspiration.

Pisces

Dreamy Pisces will want to sleep away their woes, but they should balance rest with a visual art form such as photography or filmmaking. Artsy Pisces has an eye for composition, and the creative process will force them out of their comfort zone and into a space where they’re sure to thrive, if only they commit. Whether they produce a solo visual diary of their healing journey, make an indie drama film with a few friends, or capture public life through street photography, the fruits of their labor may surprise and delight them.