How To Thrive With An Empty Nest – Even If It’s Temporary

When the time comes to send your kids off to college for the year, or to chase other lifelong dreams, you may find yourself with an “empty nest” - even if just temporarily. Enjoy this time by taking the opportunity to rediscover all the things you loved doing before kids, and maybe even find some new things to love as you enjoy time in your home.

Refresh Your Space
Embrace the newfound peace and quiet by putting on your favorite playlist and doing a deep clean of your home. Decluttering and sprucing up your home will allow you to re-nest and make it your own. Store, recycle or donate items no longer needed by your family and make space for the new.

Expand Your Culinary Skills
Now is the perfect time to try out new recipes, discover new cuisines, and cook with ingredients you enjoy!  Treat yourself to a delicious home-cooked meal. Show off your cooking skills to your partner or friends and make this an enjoyable activity for any day of the week.

Take Time for Self-Care and Relaxation
Now that the house isn’t rumbling with kids, enjoy some downtime in the tranquility of your home. Savor an evening glass of wine in the garden or sit on the balcony with your favorite book. Run a bubble bath for yourself, take turns giving back or foot massages, and relax fully into your quieter space.

Resume Date Night
You officially have the house to yourselves, so lean into your relationship and focus on creating a more intimate connection with your partner. Set the mood with a candlelit dinner on the patio, or watch your favorite movie, cuddled up in the dark living room with some popcorn. Having an empty nest is an exciting time to start dating each other again, and to remember why you fell in love in the first place.

Focus On Your Health
Sometimes when the kids leave home, it can be an emotional rollercoaster as you adjust to a memorable period of life ending. Be sure to prioritize your mental and physical health during this time to help balance your moods. Try starting a journal, be consistent with exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep.

Nurture Relationships
Live each day fully by showing love to the ones you care about. Spend some time reaching out to your friends, family, and neighbors to nurture strong social connections. Invite them over for an afternoon or evening of chatting, eating, and socializing in your home or at one of your favorite hot spots

Start A New Hobby
Try out a new hobby like knitting, painting, calligraphy, pottery making, singing, or playing piano. The list of options is endless, so let your imagination run wild and choose an activity you’ve always wanted to try. You may end up finding a new passion!

Embrace Technology
No matter how far away your kids are, technology helps keep you connected. Stay connected to your children via video chat and texting and utilize the smart home features in your home. SheaConnect™ Smart Home. Easy-to-use appliances like a Wi-Fi-connected thermostat, electronic door lock, and the voice-controlled Amazon Echo Show make life easier. View the smart home features offered in Shea Homes with SheaConnect™.
 
Sometimes a lifestyle change may warrant a location change. If you’re thinking about making the move to a new home and community that better supports your lifestyle, check out our website to browse homes built with lasting quality and innovative design.