Empty Nest Syndrome
Empty Nest Syndrome is a phrase that encompasses all the pain of not having children. The basic concept is that after you have had children you stop doing the things that you once loved and became very proficient at. All of your familiar routines, your favorite activities, the little things you take for granted suddenly become irrelevant.
1. What Is The Empty Nest Syndrome
When a lonely parent first begins to feel that they do not fit in, they may use the phrase empty nest syndrome as a way to try to deal with the feeling of loneliness and lack of familiarity. However, once this behavior becomes established and sinks in over time it can be devastating. This is where empty nest syndrome can begin to play itself out.
2. Benefits Of Being An Empty Nester
Being an empty nester gives you the chance to live in a different environment. This can be both a great time and a bad time, depending on which type of person you are! While being cooped up in a house is often considered a negative, being by yourself and being away from all the hustle and bustle is often seen as a positive, especially if you are going to surround yourself with new friends. However sometimes living alone can be stressful and lonely. Sometimes it can even make you unhappy and want to go out and mingle with everyone else so you can find your peace of mind back.
While being alone is a great way to feel more like yourself and gain perspective, it can also be a problem when you want to be out with friends and family but you still feel isolated. One great way of overcoming this issue is to get involved in a local neighborhood’s voluntary group, where you will meet many people who are in the same situation as you are in now. These are a great way of meeting new people and sharing ideas, so not only do you gain perspective on living life alone, but you also learn about the different types of experiences that people go through when living in a home by yourself. The friendships that you build are well worth it because it will help you overcome any fears that you may have had about living on your own, and it helps you understand that there are other ways of going about living.
You can also consider the savings benefit, you can focus more on yourself and the things you want. Maybe its time to treat yourself. Overall you are going to save more on household expenses and lower your bill such as your United Illuminating bill and food costs.
3. How To Survive And Thrive As An Empty Nester
Although it may be natural to feel sadness and anxiety during the empty nest period, there are some ways that you can cope with empty nester syndrome symptoms so you can resume your regular life unhindered. Take advantage of the opportunity to get away from home for a short time to gather your thoughts and reconnect with those you’ve lost touch with over the years. Even though you’ll miss being in your child’s life, remember that they’re growing up and they will still need you.
One great way to use your extra time volunteering in your area. If you live in a region where there’s a shortage of adults (or if the adults have retired), be a mentor and teach high school or college students how to thrive in a career and community. Volunteer at an animal shelter or other organization that connects people with work and service. Not only is this a great way to reconnect with your former colleagues, but it’s also a great way to give back to the community.
Don’t let go of your favorite hobbies and activities. remember what you used to do before you had kids? Maybe you can start your old hobbies again. You could even look into traveling. You may also find it helpful to attend social media events where you can reconnect with the other members of your family.
As kids leave home and go on to form their own families, they need to know how to thrive in a family. It’s good to have rules and boundaries, especially when it comes to your kids. But you also need to encourage them to be their own person, and pursue their own passions. Don’t be afraid to let them take the lead if it fits into your family’s dynamics.
