13 of the best ways to get over a crush

• When getting over a crush, it's important to talk about your feelings or write them down. 
• Picking up a new hobby or hanging out with friends can also help. 
• Take the time to focus on you.

Crushes can be all-consuming — even when we know someone is unavailable, or perhaps just not the best fit for us, it can be hard to get rid of those intense feelings.

Oftentimes, we simply can't help who we fall for, so if you're hoping to squash your crush once and for all, you might have no idea where to begin, especially if you're crushing on someone who you have to see often or who is taken by someone else. INSIDER spoke with three relationship experts who gave us the lowdown on how to get over that unrequited love, in a way that is both healthy and productive. 

Here are some ways to help you get over your crush. 

Talk your feelings out with someone you trust.

Getting swept up in a crush can make us feel out of control, but one of the best ways to get a handle on those feelings and heal from them is to get them out there by talking to someone you trust — a friend or family member that won't judge your feelings, or a licensed therapist or counselor are all great options.

"Talking out your feelings allows you to process what has happened and how you feel about it," said sex and relationship and LGBT+ expert Kryss Shane, MS, MSW, LSW, LMSW. "In some cases, this alone causes the body and mind to relax. In other cases, having a sounding board for guidance can help to work through finding a solution so you can either fix your own issue or fix the issues in your relationship by returning to the other person with a suggestion for moving forward."

Opening up about your feelings with someone can help by hearing about things they've learned in the love department, too. Shane told us that "it can also get you the opportunity to learn from them about their past and current relationships," helping you gather a bit of outside perspective.

Write it all out if you're uncomfortable expressing your emotions to someone else.

"This is such a beautiful practice," said Marla Mattenson, relationship expert for entrepreneur couples.

"To write out your feelings is also an act of self-love. I recommend keeping a note in your phone about the person you're crushing on. Write the date and then write out what's going on, how you're feeling, what you're happy with, frustrated with, wishing was different. Then go back and keep adding to it as the days go on. Keeping an ongoing note is one of the greatest techniques to help you see the real truth of your crush or relationship."

You should ideally cut off contact with your crush altogether.

The harsh reality is that if you can avoid seeing or talking to your crush, you should. This can be tougher if you live near them, work with them, or travel in the same social circles, but minimizing your time with them is often the first step to begin healing.

"Sometimes cutting off contact is the only way to begin to heal. It can be so easy to continue to rely on a crush that the habit will outweigh the plan to try to stop," said Shane. "By cutting the person off, it forces you to seek comfort, guidance, or support elsewhere, minimizing that person's impact and place in your life, and helping you to heal."