What Is Empty Nest Syndrome and How to Effectively Cope with It

When your kids move out, it’s common for parents to feel a mix of emotions, known as Empty Nester Syndrome. This time can bring feelings of loneliness, sadness, and even a sense of loss. In this article, we’ll talk about what it feels like and share some simple tips to help you cope. Learn how to accept this big life change and discover ways to enjoy this new stage of life.

What Is Empty Nester Syndrome?

Empty Nester Syndrome is a feeling of sadness and loneliness parents often feel when their kids move out for college or to live on their own. It can leave you feeling a bit lost, especially if you’ve spent years focused on raising them. But it’s also a chance to rediscover yourself, pick up new hobbies, and reconnect with your partner or friends. Talking to others who’ve been through it can really help, too.

Accepting The New Normal

While accepting change is complex and incredibly demanding, resisting the new routine is only going to bury the chances of moving on. You’ll feel quite conflicted about everything and unsure what to do, but if you stay open-minded and resolve to accept the change, no matter how scary, it’ll be easier to fit back in.

Acknowledging Your Feelings

Let yourself really feel whatever emotions are bubbling up—whether it’s sadness, loneliness, or maybe even a bit of relief. It’s totally normal, and holding it all in can make things harder in the long run. Being honest about how you’re feeling is the first step in moving forward and finding new meaning in this next chapter.

Changing Perspectives

Many people who experience empty nest syndrome see it negatively. To them, leaving their children or loved ones alone is a form of abandoning them. But instead of focusing on the negative, they could take it positively; for example, realizing their children moving away is just the next step in their success, and there will be better milestones to celebrate.

Shifting Focus

Distracting yourself is a great way to deal with empty nest syndrome because the more you think about being alone, the lonelier you’ll feel. Picking up a hobby that takes a couple of hours of your time on a regular basis will not only take your mind off things but boost confidence and independence. 

Staying In Touch

While it’s challenging to stay in touch with people going off to college or moving out for other reasons, making an effort is more than enough to curb the stress and depression that come from being an empty nester. Asking about their day or scheduling a virtual movie and gossip date is a great way to avoid feeling dreadful about loved ones leaving.

Seeking Freedom

So many people struggle to deal with empty nest syndrome because they are blessed with newfound freedom and don’t know how to deal with that. Naturally, suddenly experiencing a drastic change in routines can be stressful, but focus on the positive: you can finally do things for yourself. You won’t have to worry about picking up after others.

Managing Difficulties

The grief of empty nest syndrome can collide with other events, making it challenging to move on. These life events can be milestones (retirement) or dramatic changes (menopause), so they consume a lot of energy. Managing these events might sound hectic, but if you focus on healing and taking things slow, you’ll be able to do it.

Rediscovering Past Interests

It is no surprise that passions and hobbies take the back seat while raising kids. But as soon as they leave, their absence all of a sudden becomes unsettling. Though challenging, it is an excellent time to reconnect with past interests. Whether you like to write, paint, or whatever, you now have all the time to master your craft.

Reconnecting with Your Partner

Now that the kids are out of the house, it’s a chance to focus on each other again. With fewer responsibilities, you can rediscover what made your relationship special in the first place. Try planning fun date nights, pick up a new hobby together, or go on a spontaneous weekend trip. It’s the perfect time to rekindle the spark and enjoy this new chapter side by side.

Considering A Job

If you’ve been a stay-at-home parent most of your life or retired early, returning to work to occupy your time could be beneficial in dealing with empty nest syndrome. You don’t necessarily need a job; you could create and tick a list of activities you’ve always wanted to pursue but had to put on the back burner.

Reorganizing Your Home

Sometimes, a little change in your surroundings can do wonders for your mood. Think about turning your kids’ old rooms into something new, like a guest room, a cozy office, or even a space for a hobby you’ve always wanted to dive into. Not only does it freshen up your home, but it also helps you create new memories that fit where you are in life now.

Adjusting To Stress

Empty nest syndrome comes with stress, anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental health issues. Not knowing how to cope with these issues can take a toll on your health and your ability to deal with empty nest syndrome. Meditate, do yoga, pick up gardening, color some books, or indulge in other stress-management activities.

Networking

Empty nest syndrome makes you want to stay in all day and avoid interaction. Because you’re still going through the motions, the thought of socializing feels nauseating. But don’t give up on friends and family; try to catch up frequently so you’ll have a good support network to help you through it.

Seeking Help

If you’re unable to deal with empty nest syndrome and find yourself wallowing in despair and frustration despite trying everything, it’s time to seek professional help. A therapist or a mental health counselor will help you adjust to your new routine and see it in a new light. With regular help, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.

Preparing For The Inevitable

If you’re close to being an empty nester, it’s time to realize being an empty nester will happen to you at some point, so the best you can do is prepare so you don’t feel like it came out of nowhere. Make plans for the future, consult therapists, seek advice from experienced friends, and build a bond with your children.

More For You

Your friends are an important part of your life. If you’re an empty nester, you can reconnect with your old friends and enjoy time together, talking about everything, exploring new places, and enjoying new hobbies.

This article was inspired by Web MD & Better Health and first appeared on Rbitaliablog.