When you become an empty nester, some parents embrace the newfound freedom, while others struggle with adjusting to this major life change. The key is to shift your perspective. But where do you begin? The first step is rediscovering what you love, what excites you, and how to make yourself a priority again. And you can do that by creating morning routines for empty nesters.
Congratulations—you’ve raised independent, capable children ready to make their mark on the world. That’s no small feat! But now, it’s time to turn the focus back to you. When was the last time you truly did that? Do you even remember what you want? An empty nest is when you realize your children have grown up, moved on, and your once-busy home is now… quiet. Empty nest syndrome is what happens next—the emotional shift that comes when your daily role as a hands-on parent changes. It’s not a clinical condition, but it can bring feelings of sadness, loss, loneliness, or even a lack of purpose. After years of structuring your life around your children’s needs, you might find yourself wondering, Now what?
When three kids were in my house and my husband was getting ready for work, mornings were always unpredictable. Some mornings felt like a mad dash, and others were a chaotic whirlwind until everyone was out the door. For many years, I rushed right along with them, adding another layer of busyness to an already full house.
It was about the next task on the family calendar, with little time to pause and reflect. No wonder those years flew by so quickly! There wasn’t much space to think about whether I was having fun or working on my passion projects—those dreams got put on the back burner while I focused on what was expected of me by my family, my community, and society as a whole.
But then, suddenly, life comes to a full stop. The kids have moved out—off to college, new jobs, new adventures—and you’re left wondering, Now what?
At this point, there are a few ways this could go. You might fill your time by caring for other people and keeping busy with tasks that aren’t truly fulfilling. Or you might find yourself bored and turning to distractions—maybe a little too much shopping, eating, drinking, or binge-watching. Perhaps you jump into work and overcommit to keep yourself occupied.
Or, you could finally take the time to rediscover yourself—the beautiful, multi-faceted person you are beyond being a mother, wife, or caregiver. You could embrace the opportunity to find joy, passion, and meaning in your life again.
That sounds like the best choice, and I want to help you make it. It all starts with your morning routine.
Why Morning Routines for Empty Nesters Matter
How you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. Think about how different your day feels when you wake up late and rush out the door versus when you wake up with time to ease into your morning.
When you have a well-designed morning routine, you create space to prepare your mind, body, and soul for the day ahead. You have time to:
- Set your intentions
- Clear your mind
- Move your body
- Nourish yourself with a healthy breakfast
- Connect with yourself and loved ones
A thoughtful morning routine brings peace, relaxation, and purpose to your day.
Morning Routine Ideas for Empty Nesters
Whether you have five minutes or two hours, there are plenty of ways to make your mornings meaningful. Here are some ideas:
- Before getting out of bed: Stretch and think a positive thought, such as, I’m excited to make a positive impact today.
- Look in the mirror and say, “I love you.”
- Take care of your skin, teeth, and body.
- Make your bed.
- Meditate and journal in a cozy, sacred space.
- Stimulate your mind with a quick puzzle or word game.
- Declutter the kitchen while making your morning drink.
- Check personal emails or texts (but keep it brief!).
- Move your body—stretching, yoga, or a power walk.
- Get ready for the day. Dress in a way that makes you feel good.
- Learn something new. Read, listen to a podcast, or take a short online class.
- Follow a passion. Write, paint, create—do what makes you feel alive!
Related Post: 20 Morning Writing Prompts to Inspire a Great Day
My Morning Routine
Here’s what my ideal morning looks like:
- Wake up around 6:00 AM, brush my teeth, wash my face, and get dressed—workout clothes if I’m planning to exercise.
- Make coffee and tidy up the kitchen.
- Sit in my favorite chair, wrapped in my favorite blanket, and play Wordle, the mini crossword, and Connections.
- Meditate for a few moments, focusing on my breath and centering myself.
- Journal—asking the Universe, What does my soul need to know today? Sometimes the insights are profound; other times, I just jot down my to-do list.
- Set my intention for the day—how I want to feel and what I want to accomplish.
- Go for a walk with my husband, do a YouTube workout, go to Pilates class, or get ready for the day.
Since I currently work every day, my routine helps me stay grounded. But as my schedule shifts, I’ll have more time to dive into my creative passions—writing, making videos, playing with Canva, and learning more about YouTube and Human Design.
I notice a difference when I don’t stick to my morning routine. I feel a little off, like I’ve forgotten something. This happens when we’re visiting the grandkids, traveling, or having an early morning commitment. A day or two is fine, but after that, I need to get back to my routine—it’s a form of self-care that makes me a better person.
Hal Elrod, author of The Miracle Morning, says, “How you wake up each day and your morning routine (or lack thereof) dramatically affects your levels of success in every single area of your life.” I couldn’t agree more. But the key is making it work for you—choosing activities that bring you joy and set you up for a fulfilling day.
Your Turn
A morning routine brings purpose and excitement to your life. It creates an energy that guides you through your day and attracts experiences that make you feel marvelous.
What does your morning routine look like? I’d love to hear! Share in the comments!