What an emotional weekend it’s been! Not only has the British Summertime definitely packed it’s bags and headed for warmer climes, but my first-born son has also packed his bags and headed to university. I used to sing “You are my sunshine” to him when he was a baby and the colder weather creeping in as my “sunshine” leaves the nest has been a metaphoric moment not lost on me.

The long journey from the Cotswolds to Liverpool and back again gave me plenty of time for self-reflection, whilst I am lucky to still have my youngest living at home, the disappearance of his brother – at least until the Christmas holidays has left me feeling slightly bereft, there’s a sunshine shaped hole in our home.

For many parents, this weekend will have seen their only or youngest child leaving for university and the start of “Empty Nest Syndrome”. Empty Nest Syndrome is the combination of feelings of loss or sadness experienced by parents when their children have left home to study or live independently, this can also be experienced by parents who have separated and experience periods of not living with their children. These feeling can be quite overwhelming, so here are some top tips for experiencing and overcoming Empty Nest Syndrome.

Be honest with yourself

It’s ok to allow yourself a moment to be honest with yourself about how you are feeling. The roller-coaster of emotions that can travel through grief, anxiety, relief and joy can be exhausting and will not always follow a linear path, dipping in and out of these emotions is normal.

Make time for romance

Now’s the time to re-invest in your relationship with your romantic partner, many empty-nesters report an increase in closeness to their spouse after their children left home.

Celebrate the positives

Take some time to be proud. As a parent, we want our children to grow to become independent and self-sufficient. We want them to enjoy themselves and be happy. Be proud of them now that they are on this path.

Keep in touch

In today’s modern world of technology, it’s never been easier to stay in touch. Just be mindful that your child is now busy, exploring their new life and enjoying their independence. During those early days the communication may be a little less than you might like but showing your child that you love them unconditionally is easy to do, no matter the physical distance. Now’s also a great time to keep in touch with your friends and family, reach out to your support network, spend some time laughing, spend some time reminiscing. You don’t have to be alone.

Enjoy a new hobby

You may find that you have a little more time on your hands now, maybe revisit that long forgotten passion of yours, or time to find a new hobby. Not only will this give you a new focus, but it may create a new social circle for you too.

 Self-Care

Self-care is so important and something that many parents are guilty of neglecting. Find some time to show yourself some love. Self-care doesn’t have to be meditation and breath work unless that’s what you enjoy. Maybe you could enjoy a long soak in a bubble bath, cook a delicious meal or go for a run. Do something for you that makes you feel good.

Book an appointment to see Jodie at Cotswold Healing Therapies

Hypnotherapy and EFT tapping are great ways to deal with the emotional roller-coaster and process the emotions that you are feeling in a safe space. Acknowledging those feelings and then working through them with my guidance and support can work wonders!Reiki can be an excellent way to indulge in some you time that will help to balance your energy after this big change in your life, helping to ground you and restore the balance of energy flow helping you to feel more positive and in control.

I hope this post provides you with some ideas to cope with Empty Nest Syndrome and come out of the other side smiling. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

With warmth and light,

Jodie

Cotswold Healing Therapies

email: [email protected]