Icona Pop’s 10 Empowering Ways to Heal After a Breakup

Icona Pop—the Swedish pop duo behind the electrifying anthem “I Love It”—have turned personal heartbreaks into danceable, liberating moments. Breakups are never easy, but Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo approach them with authenticity, humor, and self-love. Here, inspired by their candid interview, are 10 transformative strategies to help anyone navigate post-breakup blues and emerge stronger than ever.

1. Feel Your Feelings—Don’t Suppress Them

The first—and arguably most crucial—step, according to Icona Pop, is to allow yourself to grieve. A breakup can feel like a small death; there’s no shortcut through it. Let yourself be sad. “You have to first feel, because it’s as if someone has died in your life … There isn’t a shortcut,” Aino says.

• Permit yourself to cry, journal, or talk it out with friends.
• Reflect on the relationship’s highs and lows without judgment.

Suppressing these emotions only prolongs the healing process. Accept the pain as part of the journey.

2. Lean on Your Friends

Your friends are your lifeline during difficult times. The power of sisterhood and chosen family is essential. Icona Pop makes it clear: “We drink a lot of wine … And we talk for hours until we laugh about things together.” Friendship cushions the blow of heartbreak with empathy and shared laughter.

• Call, text, or meet up with your closest friends regularly.
• Be honest about your feelings; you’ll find they probably have relatable stories.

Whether giggling about awkward dates or sharing heartache, friends remind you that you’re not alone.

3. Accept Wine—and Your Preferences

For Icona Pop, enjoying wine is a simple—and honest—way to mark the end of a relationship. “I can’t really stand red, even though I wish I could, so I drink white instead,” Aino confesses. The point isn’t about alcohol, but about indulging in comforting rituals—especially the ones uniquely yours.

• If wine isn’t your thing, substitute with your favorite treat—a decadent dessert, comforting cup of tea, or an artisanal soda.
• Honor your own tastes; self-acceptance is its own kind of pleasure.

Making small moments of delight helps you reclaim joy.

4. Dance—It Out!

Nothing shifts the energy like dancing, which is fitting coming from the creators of “I Love It.” When the sadness feels overwhelming, put on music and make your living room your dance floor.

• Play your favorite Icona Pop track (or any song that lifts you).
• Invite friends or dance solo; lose yourself in the rhythm.

Movement—sometimes wild and unplanned—boosts mood and helps process emotions physically.

5. Eat Well—Indulge Without Guilt

For Caroline and Aino, food is just as comforting as music. “We eat a lot … Let’s just say, don’t worry about what you look like for a while,” Caroline notes. Whether you’re craving pizza, sushi, or Swedish comfort food, now’s the time to treat yourself.

• Don’t judge yourself for wanting comfort foods.
• Try cooking a new dish or order your favorite meal for delivery.

Well-nourished bodies enable stronger spirits—so ditch the guilt and savor flavors that make you smile.

6. Reclaim Your Space

When a breakup happens, your home might feel loaded with memories. Icona Pop recommends a makeover of your personal space—even if it’s just moving furniture or adding new decor.

• Box up or move anything that triggers sadness—old photos, gifts, etc.
• Create a cozy, inviting atmosphere with candles, plants, or fresh artwork.

Refreshing your environment signals a new chapter and reminds you that you’re in control.

7. Talk It Out—Even With Your Ex (If Needed)

Sometimes closure requires a final conversation. “I actually called my ex-boyfriend that I dumped three years earlier,” Aino admits. Whether you reach out to your ex or not, speaking your truth brings clarity.

• Make sure the need to talk is for your own well-being—not for reliving old wounds.
• If talking to your ex isn’t appropriate, write a letter and throw it away; expressing your feelings matters most.

Communication—either with others or yourself—creates space for healing.

8. Get Out and Enjoy Life—Rediscover Yourself

Breakups, while painful, create an opportunity to reconnect with yourself. Icona Pop’s advice: “Do all the things you couldn’t do when you were in a relationship.” See new places, meet new people, and allow yourself new experiences.

• Go to concerts, travel, start a hobby or join a new group.
• Fill your calendar with things that excite you—or try doing nothing at all.

Life expands again once you step outside the familiar.

9. Say “F*ck It”—Embrace Your Freedom

At some point, grieve transforms into liberation. “I don’t care, I love it!” isn’t just their signature chorus—it’s a philosophy. By letting go of worries and embracing freedom, you regain power over your own happiness.

• Say yes to spontaneous plans, hair changes, or daring new styles.
• Ignore other people’s judgments; this is your time for unapologetic self-expression.

The sooner you let go, the faster you reclaim your spark.

10. Use Music as Therapy

For Icona Pop, music isn’t just a career—it’s their primary coping mechanism. “Music is our therapy,” Caroline says. The right playlist can carry you through heartbreak and right into hope.

• Create a playlist of empowering, uplifting tracks—start with Icona Pop, but add what moves you.
• Attend live shows; surround yourself with energetic crowds.

Music reminds us of our strength, our resilience, and the joy at the heart of every journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Bonus Table: Breakup Toolkit — Inspired by Icona Pop

Final Thoughts: Surviving & Thriving After Heartbreak

Icona Pop’s breakup advice is empowering because it’s real: allow yourself to feel, lean into joy, and trust the people and pleasures that lift you up. Heartbreak is painful, but it’s also transformative—full of opportunities for laughter, freedom, and rediscovery. So, drink the wine you love, blast your favorite song, and don’t apologize for forging your own path back to happiness.