Have the kids have left home and suddenly the house feels very quiet and empty? Dealing with empty nest syndrome can be challenging but fortunately there are some strategies to help you cope with the change. Here’s how to make the most of this next stage of your life.

Take care of yourself

It’s important to look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing. So while there may be fewer mouths to feed each night, make sure you continue to cook nutritious meals – even if it’s just for you or you and your partner. And try to stay as active as possible, whether that’s walking or running, or signing up for a yoga or Pilates class. Looking after yourself will not only help you feel better, it’s also a great confidence booster.

Keep yourself occupied

You’re likely to have more time on your hands, so use this opportunity to try some new things. You could take up a hobby like painting, bird watching or gardening, join a book or bridge club, plan a weekend away, organise a weekly golf game, or get involved with a local charity if you’d like to give back.

Meet up with friends

It’s important to have social interaction and maintain a strong support system, so make the effort to meet up with friends – whether you go for a walk, have lunch, or go for coffee. And don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend if you want to talk about how you’re feeling.

Stay connected

While you should respect your children’s independence and space, especially since they’ve moved out of home, that doesn’t mean you can’t call them to chat and catch up. This could also be a wonderful opportunity to start some new traditions, like a weekly family dinner or games night.