{"id":2642,"date":"2019-09-19T04:00:16","date_gmt":"2019-09-19T10:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/?p=2642"},"modified":"2020-10-17T15:01:12","modified_gmt":"2020-10-17T20:01:12","slug":"empty-nest-transition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/rebuild-csbh-sit\/empty-nest-transition\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Ease into the Empty Nest Transition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Of course, you want them to \u201cleave the nest\u201d and create a life for themselves. But, for many parents, it can create a problem called \u201cempty nest syndrome\u201d. You might start to feel lonely, restless, or simply wonder what you\u2019ll do with your life now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, the shock of having the house to yourself doesn\u2019t have to be so overwhelming. There are things you can do to make it easier on yourself and actually enjoy these years of freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Discover New Passions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re a parent, it\u2019s normal for most of your focus to be on your child\/children. That doesn\u2019t really go away, even as they get older. But, once they move out of the house, it\u2019s time to focus on your own passions again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you love doing or participating in something but gave it up while you raised your kids? Investigate ways to get involved again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Take Care of Yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more you take care of your emotional and physical health, the better you\u2019ll feel overall. When you don\u2019t let yourself fall into a \u201cfunk\u201d due to your last child leaving, it will feel like less of a dramatic event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Take a Vacation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve probably had plenty of family vacations as your children were growing up. Now that they\u2019ve moved out, plan a vacation for yourself or with your spouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Is there a place you\u2019ve always wanted to go or something you\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Stay Connected<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just because your child moved out of the house doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re totally gone. Thanks to technology, it\u2019s easier than ever to stay in touch with your kids. Make a commitment to talk to them or Skype\/Facetime each week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This doesn\u2019t mean calling them every day and wanting to talk for an hour. There\u2019s a difference between staying connected and not allowing yourself or your child move on. Talking every few days is a good place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Find Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re a single parent and now you feel completely alone in your own home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having your kids leaving home is a natural part of life. That doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s always easy for you to deal with. Don\u2019t let this experience drag you down into anxiety or depression. If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don\u2019t have to figure it out on your own.   Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n