Embracing the Empty Nest

How To Find Fulfillment While Relaxing

You’ve raised your children, and now they’re off to college or beginning their careers. This next phase of your life as an empty nester can be thrilling and fulfilling, but it will likely come with a touch of stress as well!

You now have more free time and fewer responsibilities, which means you may feel uncertain about how to fill your days. The good news is that there are so many things you can do to add purpose to your life while also taking the time to relax. Here are a few suggestions for embracing your empty nest:

Pursue an Online Degree

If you’ve always wanted to go back to school and complete a degree or learn a new skill, now could be the ideal time to pursue an online degree. Online programs are more flexible than traditional ones, so you can complete your coursework on your own time.

You could even try a few online courses and discover a new area of study that interests you! Learning is a fulfilling activity that keeps your mind sharp while giving you a sense of achievement.

Start a Business Out of Your Passion

Do you have a hobby or passion you’ve always wanted to turn into a business? Now, you can take the lead and launch a company. Starting a business can be an enriching experience and give you a sense of purpose, and it still allows for flexibility and relaxation since you’re the boss! 

One of your priorities in the early days will be to choose a business structure. One advantage of forming a limited liability company (LLC) is that it gives you personal liability protection so that your personal assets are protected from business debts and lawsuits in most cases. An LLC also offers taxation flexibility because the business can be taxed as a partnership or a sole proprietorship.

To form an LLC, it’s essential to follow your state’s regulations and guidelines. Find a reputable formation service that can help establish your LLC in compliance with your state’s requirements.

Learn a Hobby

You might have put your hobbies on hold when raising your children, but now is the time to pick them back up or try something entirely new. Learning a new hobby can be thoroughly rewarding because it allows you to express yourself creatively while staying productive. Taking a cooking class, learning photography, becoming a painter, or joining a community theater group are a few ideas to get you started!

Downsize Homes

Downsizing can be beneficial for empty nesters as it can provide financial savings, reduce maintenance costs and offer a simpler lifestyle with less clutter and responsibilities. Additionally, downsizing can also provide the opportunity to move into a more suitable space that fits their current needs and desires. If you’re considering downsizing in the St. Louis area, there are nearly 500 rentals available with a variety of amenities.

Make Travel a Priority

Nothing is more relaxing and exciting than traveling. Take advantage of your newly found free time and make travel a priority. Whether you explore a new city, go on a road trip, or plan an international adventure, travel can broaden your horizons and give you a fresh outlook on life.

Wrapping Up

The possibilities for filling your days are endless as an empty nester. Whether you choose to pursue an online degree, launch a business, downsize into a smaller home, or implement any of the other ideas above, the most important thing is that you remain patient with yourself. This new chapter can be a time of discovery and exploration. Embrace the empty nest and seize the opportunities ahead!

Visit STLHealth to find caregivers and health and wellness providers in St. Louis.