If you feel like Indira Munishwar has been feeling, then you are probably going through what psychologists call the Empty Nest Syndrome or ENS - mixed feelings of anxiety, worry, rejection, emptiness and sometimes depression that parents go through when their children leave home.

The 47-year-old stay-at-home mom could not have defined ENS better as she described her feelings of anxiety since daughter, Gayatri married last year and son, Abhilash moved abroad for further studies.

ENS is common with middle-aged people, but could happen at other points in life too. It usually strikes whenever there is a huge life change like the death of a partner, unexpected retirement, abrupt inactivity after a family wedding, etc.

Experiencing ENS is natural, but staying depressed for days together is not. Here are a few ways to cope with that sudden emotional vacuum and gear up for a new, exciting beginning:

• Embrace the Change
  
  It is never easy to see our children live independently, mostly since it makes us feel unneeded. The fear to let go off our set ways and the people we love can be overwhelming. Most life changes lead to discomfort, anxiety and stress because people do not understand and embrace the change.
  
  Recognising the change will help you sort your feelings. "If you need to grieve, then cry. Relieve the stress in any helpful way you can. Acceptance is calming and helps you move on," says Mumbai-based Psychiatrist, Dr. Leena Bahrani.
  
  
• Talk it Out
  
  Stop bottling your feelings. Talk to your children about your insecurities and worries. Positive sharing lets them understand you and their support helps you carry on with life normally.
  
  Find a hobby Make a list of all things you would love to do. Now is the time to start those activities you have constantly postponed because of the kids. If you are still working, try for that long-awaited promotion. If you are a stay at home mom, it is never too late to start your dream job, take a hobby class, practice a holistic health routine or even study! This will take your mind off the change and keep you active - mentally and physically.
  
  
• Try Soul Searching
  
  Looking within yourself is the best way to find support and enliven your spirit. "You could read spiritually uplifting books, pour out your feelings into a personal journal and if possible, ask an expert for help," advises Dr. Snehal Mehta, Consulting Psychiatrist.
  
  
• Fall Back on Fiendship
  
  You are never too old to make new friends or reunite with former ones - dig up the contact info of schoolmates or ex-colleagues, shake hands with new friends at a hobby class. Do not let age be a barrier… While you can learn from the ENS experiences of older friends, younger ones may help you fulfil your need to nurture.
  
  
• Rekindle Romance
  
  With the kids are away, there is no worry about the embarrassment of being seen cuddling with your partner. Now is the time to rediscover each other and rekindle romance - the kind that is based on caring, sharing and supporting your companion. Now that we have sparked off a few ideas, get out there and do what you do best. Start your new life today!

(With inputs from: Psychology experts Dr. Leena Bahrani, Dr. Snehal Mehta, Chitra Khare and Nisha Mehta)