As a life coach who specializes in working with empty nest moms, I often hear about the loneliness they feel in a quieter house and a slower schedule. In this article, we’ll explore strategies to help you tackle loneliness in midlife, but it’s important to remember that feeling lonely isn’t always about being alone; you can experience loneliness even in a crowd. On the flip side, solitude can be a chance for relaxation and self-discovery.

Try the following 3 strategies to shift how you feel about solitude: 

1. Practice Mindful Breathing: Set aside a few minutes. Find a quiet spot, sit comfortably (I’ve found that laying down turns into a nap!), and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and then slowly exhale through your mouth. Pay attention to the sensation of your breath as it enters and leaves your body. That’s it! It doesn’t have to be organized or fancy – simply paying attention to your breath helps ground you in the present moment and can help you manage anxiety, stress or feelings of loneliness. (Read more about Mindful Breathing HERE.)

2. Create a Solo Routine: Plan your time alone, on purpose. This can look like exploring a new hobby (Access my free Hobby Discovery Workbook HERE), enjoying quiet moments of self-care or listening to a podcast. A solo routine celebrates time alone. For me, this has included things like trying out new skincare and health routines, trying solo outings in new areas, and tackling organizational projects at home. 

3. Create a Meaningful Activity List: Create a list of activities that are meaningful and enjoyable to you. Engaging in these activities can help fill solo time with purpose and reduce feelings of isolation. Write down activities that bring you joy, satisfaction or a sense of accomplishment (This can be a running list). Choose 1 or 2 of these activities each week to include in your schedule. I’ve used this tool with clients and have found that it’s important to evaluate and adjust as you go. By keeping a running list, you stay creative and open to new ideas. (Create your own Meaningful Activity List with this free template HERE.) 

For more insight and information, visit TrainaCoaching.com or @TrainaCoaching on Instagram/Facebook.