Enjoy Empty Nest Life
By Hazel Bridges
Having kids leave the nest is a bittersweet moment for any parent. On one hand, you are proud of your children for their accomplishments and all that they have achieved. On the other, it can be difficult to accept them growing up and leaving home. While this may be an emotionally challenging time in life, it is also an opportunity to make the most of this new phase of life, whether through travel, a new hobby, or new friendships. Here are some tips on how to get started, presented below.
Make Traveling a Priority
As an empty nester, traveling more can be an exciting and fulfilling way to explore new places and experiences. Without the responsibilities of parenting, you have more freedom to plan trips on your own terms and at your own pace. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, traveling as an empty nester allows you to create unforgettable memories and enjoy the world in a new way.
Pick Up a New Hobby or Skill
Another great way to fill your newfound free time is by picking up a new hobby or skill. Whether it’s painting or woodworking, learning something new can give you a sense of accomplishment and provide you with an outlet where you can express yourself creatively. It doesn’t have to be anything overly complicated either; even something as simple as knitting can help pass the time while giving you something tangible at the end of it all. If you’ll be traveling a lot, you might take up a hobby that will come in handy on the road, such as photography.
Declutter and Get Organized With Digital Tools
It’s also important not to forget about decluttering your home once your kids leave. Clutter triggers anxiety and can lead to stress, so it’s paramount to ensure that your physical and mental space is organized by getting rid of items you no longer need. Digitizing your documents can offer numerous benefits, including decluttering your physical space and reducing the risk of losing important paperwork. By scanning and storing all your documents electronically, you can easily access and organize them from anywhere, at any time.
Get Social
Socializing more should be on everyone’s priority list when entering this phase of life. Finding ways to connect with others can help beat stress and boost your self-esteem, especially if they are also empty nesters. Consider volunteering in your community, or looking for ways to get involved in different activities at your church or library. If you’ll be traveling a lot, you might do some sleuthing online to find fun spots to make new connections around the country. You can utilize social media to find like-minded people who are looking to form friendships while on the road. Making the most of life as an empty-nester can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you don’t have any immediate plans. However, this is the fun part! Take some time to think about what your goals are, whether they include traveling or starting a business. Lay out a plan for each step and look for resources that will help along the way. With the right moves, you can make this phase of your life exciting and invigorating>
Author Bio
Hazel is writing from personal experience as one whose children have all left home
About The Author