How to Deal With Empty Nest Syndrome as a Single Parent

Join a book or movie group that meets at least once a month to discuss a text or see a film. Sit in on a meeting to see how your interests match with the media selected by the group. Libraries and local books stores frequently sponsor reading clubs, and local churches as well as some universities and community colleges also host book groups. Local art theaters sometimes offer discussion groups to introduce films.

Volunteer at a local charity or nonprofit. Select one activity, such as tutoring or reading instruction, that you have the skills to immediately contribute, and also volunteer for a second group to learn something new to contribute to the community. Groups teach volunteers the necessary skills to build houses or work as veterinary assistants at the local animal shelter. Set up a regular volunteer schedule of at least one day a month. Some tutoring or activities require you to commit to weekly sessions. This commitment gets you out of the house on a regular basis and helps to fill the empty feeling.

Dine with friends for dinner or lunch, and meet for coffee at least once during the week. Select a different restaurant, cafe or cafeteria for the meetings, and add extra interest by meeting at eateries serving diverse food and drink. You'll have plenty of topics from your new volunteer duties and activities to contribute to the conversations with friends.

Develop a hobby and enroll in classes to advance your skills. A hobby such as photography allows you to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. Enrolling in an extension, community college, or parks and recreation class encourages you to meet new people with similar interests. Turn one of your empty rooms into a hobby area for your new interest. Psychologist and author Guy Winch tells "Psychology Today" that getting involved in activities helps you accelerate your emotional readjustment.

Join a gym or do a bi-weekly organized sport activity, even if it's only a small group activity that asks members to walk around the local mall twice a week. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America notes that exercise is one of the best ways to handle anxiety. A poll done by the ADAA reported people use a number of different physical activities to relax, including walking, running and practicing yoga. Joining a group at a gym or local community center, or taking a college activity class provides you a group of people interested in the same activity.