What Comes Next? An Exciting New Chapter for Empty Nesters

When our children leave home, it can leave us with mixed feelings. On one hand, it can feel sad to see them less. On the other, we might feel a sense of excitement about the new opportunities ahead. In this article, we’ll share some of our top strategies for building a productive, fulfilling, and healthy lifestyle during this variable time as an empty nester.

Creativity

If you’re creatively inclined, the extra time you have after the kids fly the nest could be well spent in an artistic pursuit. There is no better way to divert your energies than by sinking them into a craft that you love, whether this is painting, sculpting, knitting, or something else entirely. You can even take this opportunity a step further and commit an area of the house towards your chosen activity.

Reading & Writing

When you’re feeling listless, lost, bored, or confused, reading can provide us with an incredible means to explore new perspectives, philosophies, and cultures, all from the comfort of our living rooms. Take some time to browse the latest titles and see if there is anything that appeals to your current situation.

Alternatively, you might find that chronicling your thoughts in written words is a therapeutic, rewarding way to process events in your life and give yourself a fresh sense of purpose. You could start by writing a journal on a daily basis or even take your existing knowledge of fiction and try drafting out a screenplay.

Reskilling

If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new skill, switch careers or learn for fun, there’s no better time than after your kids have flown the nest. Start by looking at the options – a business degree, for example, can equip you with accounting, business, communications, or management skills. Remote learning also means that you can fit studies around full-time work or other responsibilities.

Gardening

You’ll be amazed at how much a few hours a day spent in the backyard can change your entire outlook. Gardening is a great way to stay fit, banish negativity and produce vegetables that can be enjoyed for healthy eating. If you’re new to it, take some time to find crops that will be easy to care for – these might include carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, or peas.

Traveling

If your inner child is feeling a bit glum since the kids left home, you might want to consider taking a trip of your own. Disney World isn’t just for youngsters, it’s also a great spot for adult entertainment and relaxation. You can visit MouseLife Today for more details on how to plan a trip without breaking the bank.

Entrepreneurship

If you’ve ever had a plan for a business or wanted to capitalize on your professional skill and experience, it could be worth considering a foray into entrepreneurship. Thanks to digital innovation, it’s easier than ever for a first-time business owner to disrupt the market. You can start by writing a business plan that describes your company, details how you’ll sell your services, describes the structure, and gives a financial overview (including any projections and funding requirements).

Just because your kids have left home doesn’t mean you’re no longer a parent. What it does mean is that an intriguing new chapter of your life has begun. Who knows what exciting new things you might discover about yourself and the world around you?

Article written and submitted by Diane Harrison of healthpsa.info

WSIL – Wyoming Services for Independent Living is the independent living center for Western Wyoming. We have offices in Cody, Lander, Powell, and Rock Springs, Wyoming. Learn more about us at: www.wyosocialresources.info

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