Retirement. It’s what you’ve been working towards. It’s what you’ve been dreaming about. Now it is finally here so why do you feel adrift? Why do you feel apprehensive about how to fill your days?
For many the shift from the working life to the leisure life takes a bit of adjustment. At first there is the euphoria of not being greeted by a barrage of emails with work problems each and every morning. But then, you gradually realize, you aren’t getting any emails! You have nowhere you have to be, no calls you have to make, and no meeting you have to attend. If you were like me, and your job consumed most your hours, it is an adjustment.
The first few days or weeks are fantastic. You realize you can wake when you want, savor that cup of morning coffee, and read that book from cover to cover without interruption. But eventually, you start to feel a tad bit lost. You start to lose track of the days and start to wonder “Now what”?
So how do you navigate that transition from happy work life to happy retirement? Here are 5 tips to making sure you smoothly go from the 5-day workweek to the 7-day weekend.
Tip 1: Anchor your week.
When you don’t have set places to be on certain days, the days all start to blend together. Some new retirees will feel more comfortable with a structured schedule, similar to their work life. While other retirees will want freedom from routine. When I first retired, I rejected any type of schedule. I wanted to get up in the morning and do whatever I felt like that day. But soon, I found that I had no sense of what day it was, I wasn’t getting much of my chores done, and I needed something routine to give my life at least some structure.
I found that starting slow and choosing one or two days to add a weekly activity was what worked for me. This could be an every-Friday get together with your former colleagues or a Sunday dinner with family/friends. It could be Wednesday golf games or Saturday hikes. You could add a Tuesday/Thursday class or weekly massage. Whatever the activity, finding at least one day a week for that activity helps to keep track of the days and anchor your week.
Another option is to set themes for each day of the week. For example, Monday might be self-care day and you always scheduled the nail salon, doctor’s appointments, or barber on a Monday. Wednesday might be the day you routinely go grocery shopping or do repairs around the house. Maybe every Tuesday you try a new recipe, new restaurant or get take-out. Having a day of the week focused on a particular subject gives your week some structure and helps to accomplish those things you want to get done.
Your comfort level will determine how scheduled you want to be. I’ve heard some retirees recommend scheduling every hour but for me that is too much. I spent my work life highly scheduled and savor flexibility in retirement. A couple of days a week, an hour or two a day, that is enough for me to stay anchored.
Tip 2: Plan for your bucket list
You have time now! You can do those things you always wanted to do but just didn’t have time. Make that list. Write it down. Your bucket list can be as long or as short as you’d like but spend a little time and create it. Add the things you only dream about. Those things that you have no idea how you would make happen or how you could possibly afford. But also add the things that are easily afforded and quite within the realm of possibility.
Once you have your list, choose something on that list. Start planning to make it happen. You can start slow. Do research, find out HOW to accomplish it, lay the foundation to be successful. List the obstacles in your way, develop a plan to overcome those obstacles. If your bucket list includes travel, read a book or watch a movie about wherever it is you want to go, start learning about the “must see places”, and pick-up a word or two in the local language. If a new hobby is on your list, find out about local or online groups, identify classes or books on the subject, pick-up some supplies.
Some bucket list items might take time to accomplish, some you might be able to start right away but whatever the case, get going on marking things off the list. It will not only give you something to do, but as you complete each item and mark it off your list, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
And don’t be afraid to change, revise, and alter that list. It is YOUR list and it can be as dynamic and shifting as you like. You can change your mind, you can add and delete items on the list to your heart’s content!
Tip 3: Expand your social circle
During your work life, you probably had to “make time” for family and friends. Now you’ve got the time! Prioritize reconnecting and strengthening your relationships but also expand that circle to include new friends, new acquaintances. This is particularly important if your friends are still working.
We are social creatures and science has shown that we need that social interaction to thrive. Some people need more interaction than others but there is a reason solitary confinement is a punishment. Even if you are an introvert, you will boost your happiness with social connections.
Start finding people who have the same leisure time as you. Many communities have senior centers that serve as the gathering place for retirees. Focus on your hobbies or interests and identify ways to share those activities. It might be that taking a class, joining a gym, or volunteering will put you in contact with like-minded people. Virtual connections are also possible with the array of social media platforms that can connect you throughout the world.
Whatever way you choose to expand your social circle, finding people that you can share your time with will enrich the retirement experience.
Tip 4: Devote time to your health
Nothing is more important in retirement than health – both physical and mental. Staying healthy will make your retirement all the better. Prioritize keeping your body moving and nourished. Practice exercising your brain.
We all have read about the 90-year-olds that lift weights and run marathons. Nobody is saying you have to go to extremes! Taking time for your health might be as simple as a daily walk or meatless Mondays. Educate yourself on the latest trends in keeping that old body in shape. Read up on nutrition and your body’s changing needs as it ages. Ensure that you are doing all you can to have the energy for a fulfilling retirement.
Remember to keep up with your yearly medical exams. Visit your doctors and discuss the early warning tests and preventative measures you can take to stay healthy. Don’t forget to have your eyes checked and keep up to date with the dentist. Choose a month during the year and get it all done or spread it out throughout the year. Now’s the time to get to know your doctors and for your doctors to get to know you.
Don’t forget your mental health. Keep your brain sharp by exercising your mind. Games that challenge you are a good way to boast your brain power. Meditation has been shown to dramatically improve your focus. Getting a good night’s sleep is also critical to your well-being. Don’t be afraid to take a nap during the day. You’ve earned that indulgence!! As mentioned above, interacting with people, even strangers, helps your mental health. Engage with the world, even if it is just making small talk with the grocery store clerk.
Tip 5: Find purpose
Simply put, people with lives of purpose are happier. The science of happiness has shown time and again that a life perceived as having a greater purpose brings joy. For many retirees, losing that day-to-day work routine also results in a loss of identity. You are no longer a part of an organization. The meaning in your life has shifted. The stress of your daily work life may be gone but so is that sense of satisfaction when you solve the problem or complete a challenging activity.
In retirement, your life takes on a new purpose. For some, it will be the first time your life’s purpose is of your choosing. You can spend your time as you like, focused on the things that are important to you. That focus might be narrowly defined or broadly expansive. It can be at the family level or extended to your community or even beyond, to the world. Whatever your choice, make a conscious effort to include daily, weekly, or monthly activities that bring you a sense of purpose and meaning.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. There are numerous organizations that rely on retirees to support their mission. Think about your skills and look for opportunities that showcase those skills. Think about the parts of your job you really loved and find ways you can replicate that in a volunteer setting. Some non-profits will also train you in skills you always wanted. Use your imagination and take a risk.
If you are lucky enough to live near family, giving of your time can solidify those relationships bringing you closer. Taking the grandkids (or grandpups!) one day or night a week, for example, gives your kids a respite from parenting and, at the same time, gives you a chance to bond with the grandkids and grandpups. It is a win-win for all involved.
Retirement is meant to be that well-earned 7-day weekend. Approached in the right way, this phase of life can be the best yet!
