There are plenty of stereotypes about what people go through when dealing with the empty nest transition. When you last child leaves the home, it can feel bittersweet.
Of course, you want them to “leave the nest” and create a life for themselves. But, for many parents, it can create a problem called “empty nest syndrome”. You might start to feel lonely, restless, or simply wonder what you’ll do with your life now.
Thankfully, the shock of having the house to yourself doesn’t have to be so overwhelming. There are things you can do to make it easier on yourself and actually enjoy these years of freedom.
1. Discover New Passions
When you’re a parent, it’s normal for most of your focus to be on your child/children. That doesn’t really go away, even as they get older. But, once they move out of the house, it’s time to focus on your own passions again.
Did you love doing or participating in something but gave it up while you raised your kids? Investigate ways to get involved again.
If you can’t think of something you were passionate about before, try something new! Get out of your comfort zone with something like art, music, sports, etc. You may discover a new hobby you love, and it will keep you busy and fulfill a sense of purpose.
2. Take Care of Yourself
One of the best things you can do right now is to take care of yourself. Find a healthy balance between exercising to stay fit and getting enough rest. Eat well and maintain a productive routine.
The more you take care of your emotional and physical health, the better you’ll feel overall. When you don’t let yourself fall into a “funk” due to your last child leaving, it will feel like less of a dramatic event.
3. Take a Vacation
You’ve probably had plenty of family vacations as your children were growing up. Now that they’ve moved out, plan a vacation for yourself or with your spouse.
Is there a place you’ve always wanted to go or something you’ve always wanted to do, but put family first instead? Now is the time to take full advantage of those desires. Hit the road (or skies) to travel to a new destination. You can find freedom in your empty nest experience, rather than feeling confined by your new life situation.
4. Stay Connected
Just because your child moved out of the house doesn’t mean they’re totally gone. Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with your kids. Make a commitment to talk to them or Skype/Facetime each week.
This doesn’t mean calling them every day and wanting to talk for an hour. There’s a difference between staying connected and not allowing yourself or your child move on. Talking every few days is a good place to start.
Most of all, staying connected will make the transition easier for both you and your child. As much as they want and need their independence, stepping out into the real world for the first time probably feels overwhelming for them, too.
5. Find Support
Some people have a harder time than others when it comes to letting go and living with their kids out of the house. It can be especially difficult if you’re a single parent and now you feel completely alone in your own home.
Having your kids leaving home is a natural part of life. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy for you to deal with. Don’t let this experience drag you down into anxiety or depression. If you’re struggling with your new empty nest, please feel free to contact me. We can work on more tips and solutions to help you work through your emotions and embrace this new chapter in your life.
Contact Me
I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:
- Having a safe, confidential space to work through life’s struggles
- Speaking openly with a highly-trained professional
- Learning to be curious about oneself and become more mindful about your choices
- Identifying relationship patterns that are helpful, or existing patterns that are interfering with your growth and wellbeing.
- I offer online therapy (video conference style of therapy), which provides an increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from the privacy and comfort of your own home or other location.
You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.
*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.
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