Intelligent Intoxication

Apathy as an Empty Nester — When You Feel Flat and Depleted


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In this episode, we unpack the quiet heaviness of apathy — that feeling of being flat, uninspired, or simply tired of caring. It’s not laziness or lack of motivation; it’s often your body and soul asking for rest. After decades of constant motion — raising kids, managing households, giving your all — apathy can surface when a major season ends. It’s the body’s way of saying, “I need to reset before I embrace the next season.”

Key Takeaways:
  • Apathy often follows intense seasons of output — like your child’s senior year, college prep, or the emotional labor of letting go.

    • It’s a signal that your energy reserves are low, not that something’s wrong with you.

      • Explore which of the seven types of rest you’re craving most:

        • Physical — Deep sleep, movement, relaxation

          • Mental — Stepping away from constant decision-making

            • Sensory — Reducing screen time, noise, and overstimulation

              • Emotional — Allowing yourself to feel instead of performing

                • Social — Spending time with people who replenish, not drain

                  • Creative — Seeking beauty and inspiration

                    • Spiritual — Reconnecting with meaning, purpose, or stillness


                      When you nourish the type of rest you’ve been missing, energy and clarity naturally return.

                      Remind yourself:
                      • “Of course I’m not broken — I’m exhausted from the last season and in-between seasons right now.”

                        • “It makes sense that I’m apathetic — I really need rest.”

                          • You may even be thinking, “Why bother?” That’s your cue to pause and listen with compassion.


                            Reflection Questions:
                            • What feels meaningless right now?

                            • What used to light you up that’s feeling a little dim?

                            • Where have you been overgiving or overpouring your energy?

                            • Where have you been drained lately?

                            • What allows you to feel just a bit more awake or alive?

                            • Which form of rest have you been neglecting? What would one small act of restoration look like today?

                              Try This:
                              • Detach from producing or outcomes and focus on what you’re feeling or experiencing.

                              • Focus on what feels restful or soothing.

                              • Focus on what helps you feel awake or alive — even in small ways.

                                If you know you could use some support as you navigate apathy in the empty nest , email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:

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                                My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:

                                Intentional Intoxication Book

                                If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:

                                For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:

                                Intoxication Inventory

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                                Intelligent IntoxicationBy Terri Bradway

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