You’ve spent the better part of your life raising children and looking after your family; now you find yourself quite alone. Separation anxiety can be painful for anyone, but especially for those of us who no longer share our home with a spouse.
Loneliness can visit all of us at times but, allowing “empty nester” feelings to permanently take hold can lead to severe depression. However, by recognizing the symptoms, you’ve taken the first step toward creating a happy lifestyle for yourself.
Learn to Be Positive
Consider yourself fortunate that you are finally at the stage of your life where you are no longer responsible for the everyday activities of your children.
Make Plans
Every morning you should wake up knowing what you will do that day. Some days it can be as simple as enjoying a stroll around the neighborhood or running an errand.
Stay in Touch
Your family will always be a vital part of your life and, by keeping up with the important aspects of their lives, you will retain that special bond. Don’t be tempted to get involved with every detail … it’s time to let go.
Join, Join, Join
Whatever your interests are, now is the time to enjoy them. There are clubs and organizations for almost everyone. Libraries not only have book clubs, they offer a rich agenda for a myriad of activities. Local community centers distribute brochures inviting area residents to participate in seasonal programs. Golf and tennis clubs are wonderful places to meet people and most offer beginner lessons if you’re new at the game.
Learn New Things
Take courses at your local community college or complete that degree you abandoned many years ago. Classes don’t need to be academic in nature; many are simply self-interest subjects, such as learning to speak another language.
Travel
If you’re not up to long trips, you can still enjoy day excursions to places of interest. Museums and art galleries may not be your cup of tea, but touring a historic section of your city can be enlightening. Walking clubs not only provide much needed exercise, but you’ll meet people with similar interests.
Learn to Cook for Yourself
Planning meals for a family is quite different from preparing an appetizing meal for one. Try new healthful recipes and invite a friend for dinner. Make a hearty casserole and deliver it to a sick friend or neighbor.
Volunteer
You’ve developed skills over the years and now you can continue to put them to good use. Offer your services at the local hospital, childcare center, senior’s residence, or charitable organization. You’ll find that the time you donate will be extremely rewarding and you’ll come home with a great sense of accomplishment.
The “empty nester syndrome”can affect parents in small towns or big cities. How you deal with it makes all the difference to your future happiness. Go out there … get involved!
