After the carefree days of childhood, most of our lives feel like a nonstop high-speed rollercoaster. The years are filled with work, social demands, relationships, hobbies, habits, chores, and more, filling most days to the brim with possibilities. However, something happens for many people when they retire: they suddenly have a lot more time on their hands. Though this prospect is exciting for most, some people find the transition leaves them feeling restless.
After nearly an entire life of always having something to do and somewhere to be, this newfound freedom can make even the most excited retirees a little antsy. Fortunately, retirement offers a golden opportunity to invest time in what truly matters to you, not just what you are obligated to invest in. Here are some satisfying ways to fill your retirement years which will help you overcome your anxiety about the transition.
Invest Even More in Your Relationships
Having long-term healthy relationships is one of the most important factors influencing our well-being. When you retire, you have the unique opportunity to invest in your relationships like never before. Deepen your connections with family and friends, host gatherings, plan trips together, or simply enjoy quiet evenings reminiscing over dinner. These moments of connection strengthen your bonds and create lasting memories that enrich your life.
Do What You've Always Wanted To Do
During retirement you can allow yourself the freedom to explore new experiences without the constraints of a work schedule. Every day is a vacation now, and we should take advantage of that.
You can create a retirement bucket list which includes all the things you have wanted to do and see, but have not gotten around to, yet. Checking these items off your list will give you goals to work towards and contribute to the satisfaction that you are honoring your life's desires. My husband and I definitely worked on our bucket list when we reached our 50s and 60s. We had traveled in our younger years to nearly state in the U.S., but never made it to Alaska. We ticked that last state off our list after we retired.
Pick Up an Complex Hobby
Most people have hobbies throughout their lives, but don't have the freedom to invest in more complex, time-consuming hobbies. When you retire, you do! What have you always dreamed of becoming good at?
Does starting a large garden sound interesting to you? Have you wanted to get started in classic car restoration? Maybe you've always wanted to really get into woodworking, painting, or pottery. Whatever the case, these hobbies require some financial and time investments which younger, working adults often can't afford. Retirement is your chance to invest in these interests.
Volunteer for a Cause Which Matters to You
Finally, giving back can be one of the most fulfilling opportunities in retirement. Find a cause which you care deeply about and invest some of your time in helping others. Volunteering not only benefits your community, but also fosters a sense of purpose and connection in your life, enriching your retirement experience. My husband and I have volunteered for years at a local homeless shelter. Other friends volunteer with their church, or at a food bank, or a local school. Whatever you do, take the time to enjoy it.
These satisfying ways to fill your retirement years can help you embrace this exciting chapter in your life. The goal is not to fill your time with busywork and obligations, such as you had during your working years, but rather to choose commitments which add value to your life and those of the people around you. Doing so will likely lead to a more fulfilling retirement that doesn't make you feel bored or restless. Staying active, challenging your brain, and socializing with others are also activities which researchers believe will help you postpone dementia. So, get out there and enjoy retirement to the fullest!
You may also want to read up on more great ways to stay busy in retirement. I recommend this book: "Retirement Heaven or Hell: 9 Principles for Designing Your Post Career Lifestyle." (Ad) It will really help you think about how to get the most out of your retirement years.
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