111. Your Brain Doesn't Know What To Do When The Kids Leave

This Empty Nest Life

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10d ago 34:46

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Feeling completely lost or mentally overwhelmed after your kids leave home? You're not alone—what many perceive as empty nest syndrome might actually be undiagnosed ADHD or executive function challenges magnified by life transitions.

In this enlightening episode, executive function expert Corie Wightlin sheds light on how the departure of children can unmask underlying brain struggles with organization, motivation, emotional regulation, and time management. When children take with them the routines and external scaffolding that masked these challenges, many adults find themselves scrambling—unable to complete simple tasks or find motivation.

Whether you're questioning if you have undiagnosed ADHD or simply struggling to find your footing, this episode offers validation, insight, and actionable tools to help you thrive past the empty nest.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

Executive function skills include organization, motivation, emotional regulation, and time management.
Parenting provides external scaffolding that masks underlying challenges, which surface when children leave.
Four brain motivators: urgency, challenge, novelty, and interest.
Recognize your zones of regulation to maintain emotional balance.
Self-compassion is crucial for breaking the shame cycle and nurturing resilience.

Corie Wightlin Bio
Holding a B.A. in Cognitive Science from Occidental College and a Master’s in Education and Literacy from the University of San Diego, Corie combines neuroscience, learning, and behavior expertise with a deep understanding of the lived ADHD experience.
As a certified mindfulness facilitator and certified ADHD coach, Corie integrates mindfulness-based strategies to support resilience, self-compassion, and executive function growth.
Corie presents on topics including ADHD and executive function, self-compassion, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and goal setting specific for ADHDers. Through a strengths-based and compassionate approach, Corie empowers individuals to navigate challenges, embrace their unique brains, and build systems for success.

Find Corie Online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Website

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Chapters

1. Brain Changes When Kids Leave (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Executive Function (00:06:20)

3. How ADHD May Be Unmasked in Midlife (00:10:53)

4. Regulating Dopamine and Cortisol (00:15:11)

5. The Zones of Regulation (00:19:40)

6. Tools for Getting Unstuck (00:24:18)

7. Finding Your True Capacity (00:31:39)

113 episodes

#Fitness #Self-Improvement #Mental Health #Jay Ramsden #Podcasting Education #Nest #Nesters #GenX #Midlife #Life After Kids #Nest Coach #Nest Life