Being an empty nester is certainly an adjustment! It can even cause the condition known as empty nest syndrome. However, there are many ways to discover yourself without the kids. Listed below is more information about empty nest syndrome and how to rediscover yourself after the kids leave.
What is Empty Nest Syndrome?
Raising kids takes up time, energy, and provides a sense of purpose for some parents. It’s only natural that the dynamic changes without the kids around. However, empty nest syndrome is more than just an adjustment and feeling a little sad. It can also include intense, prolonged feelings of:
- Grief
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Lack of purpose
- Lack of direction
Empty nest syndrome isn’t a diagnosable mental health condition. However, it still creates real emotions and can have a profound effect on your life.
Empty Nest Syndrome Can Affect Mental Health
Empty nest syndrome can be very distressing, and can easily have an impact on mental health by:
- Intensifying pre-existing mental conditions
- Creating more sensitivity to circumstances that normally aren’t a bother
- Having a harder time regulating emotions
- Causing a situational mental health condition (like anxiety or depression)
No matter how this syndrome affects your mental health, help is available. There are things you can do to alleviate symptoms!
How to Rediscover Yourself With the Kids Gone
There are several strategies you can try to manage any empty nest syndrome feelings you are experiencing. Listed below are some of those ideas.
Take Time to Acknowledge and Process How You Feel
Instead of pushing away empty-nester feelings, take the time to acknowledge your feelings and process them. This can be done by:
- Journaling
- Speaking with friends or family
- Self-care activities
- Exercising
- Therapy
This is a crucial first step to rediscovering who you are. This is because recognizing and validating your feelings is healing. It will also help you accept what is going on.
Focus on Relationships
Even if you feel empty with children out of the house, there are still relationships you can kindle, restore, or build! For example, you can focus on:
- Your spouse/partner
- New or old friends
- Your children (by keeping in touch)
- Grandchildren
- Extended family members
- Neighbors
- Community members
Fostering and cultivating relationships will help you remember who you are again. It also minimizes feelings of loneliness.
Revisit or Find New Hobbies
Revisiting or finding new hobbies that you’ve never had time for will really help you rediscover who you are! It will also bring a sense of enjoyment and relaxation if you are feeling sad. Some examples of hobbies to try or revisit are:
- Nature activities (like gardening or hiking)
- DIY craft projects
- Traveling
- Reading or writing
- Creating music
- Exercising
- Cooking or baking
- Art
Make sure your hobbies include something you’ve always wanted to do (but may not have had time for)!
Give Back
Ironically enough, giving back is a way to find yourself. This is because it can enhance mood and boost your sense of self. It also shifts focus away from sadness. Some ways to give back are by:
- Volunteering your time or talents
- Donating anything you can
- Visiting people who need it
- Helping with good causes
Using your hobbies as a way to give back can make it even more fulfilling. For instance, donating your creations or sharing your talents are methods of doing so.
Rediscover Your Purpose
Rediscovering your purpose will assist with rediscovering who you are. This can be done by implementing all the suggestions listed above, as well as:
- Self reflection
- Setting goals
- Exploring new things to find what you love
- Filling your time with anything that helps you feel grounded (work, volunteering, hobbies, etc.)
No matter how you regain purpose, doing so will minimize the feelings that come after the kids leave.
Empty nest syndrome can be tough. It can also have a significant impact on mental health. However, even after the kids leave, there are ways to rediscover yourself. These include processing how you feel, relationships, and hobbies. Giving back and refinding your purpose are other ways. Doing these things can lessen empty-nest feelings and help you find happiness.
