Life as an empty nester can be a big adjustment. You’ve spent years putting your kids first, and while they’ll always be your top priority, it’s also an opportunity to put more focus on yourself for a change. You’ll have a lot more freedom with your time and your major life choices.
Focusing on the positive aspects of your new lifestyle can help you cope with the real emotional side effects of your children growing up and moving out. They’ve been a constant in your life for so long that it can be a difficult time when they grow up and gain their independence.
#1 Plan Your Move into Your Dream Home
You may not want to move as soon as your children are out the door and off to college, but as they start to settle into their adult lives, you may want to start thinking about making a move.
Changing residences is a common plan, especially as people start getting closer to their retirement age. Your priorities change, and the things you look for in a new home will change. You might also want to live in a different kind of neighborhood, like active adult lifestyle communities, which offer a lot more peace and quiet.
Planning a move can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re changing communities. It’s an opportunity to plan some day trips or weekend vacations to get a feel for the places you’re considering. It always pays to spend some time visiting the communities you’re thinking about visiting.
#2 Pursue Activities with Others
You may be surprised just how much free time you have now that you’re not doing so much laundry, cooking, and other chores that come with raising children. Now that you have so much more free time, it’s time to pursue other activities.
While you’re free to put your mind to anything, if you’re experiencing loneliness, it’s better to pursue activities with others. Take a hobby or activity you already enjoy and join a group that does it, whether it’s a book club, a wine club, an amateur league, or even signing up for classes.
Anything that gets you out with others and focusing on an activity will enrich your social life and make the most of your free time.
#3 Plan a Vacation
When the kids move out, you might also find you have a bit more spending money to play around with. Take that vacation you’ve been dreaming about for years. You don’t have to go anywhere right away; you’ve got time to plan, make an itinerary, or wait for great deals on flights to come your way.
The advantage of not having to bring the kids along with you is that you can plan something just for you. Take a romantic getaway, plan a week on the beach, or travel farther than you ever could have if you were paying to bring the whole family along.
You have more freedom now than you have in a long time. Lean into the upsides and enjoy life as an empty nester.
