The closer retirement draws near, the more most people begin to look forward to it. But embracing a less demanding lifestyle, enjoying more leisure time, and relaxing, doesn’t necessarily come naturally. In fact, for a vast number of retirees, it is something they must learn to do. If you come into this category, test drive the following tips to help you dial back:
Develop a new routine
You managed your work routine for years – the early rises, the commute, the deadlines, and the demands. So you know you can develop a retirement routine, too. Start today by writing a less demanding and more pleasure-filled routine, and tick off the ‘tasks’ as you complete them. Your ‘to-do’ list may include: Making an early morning coffee and taking it back to bed while you complete Soduku (or another brain teaser). Morning exercise (self-directed or at a gym or pool class), and watching a movie. Reading a chapter of a book. Meeting up with a friend. Hanging out with a grandchild. Indulging in a craft. Going window shopping.
Give yourself permission
You’re the boss when it comes to relaxing, and as the boss, you need to give yourself permission to kick back. Actively practise giving permission by embarking on an activity you want to engage in, then challenging your demanding inner voice insisting you’re ‘wasting time.’ Reply (out loud, if it helps): “I make the decisions, here, and I give myself permission to do this!” Just to reinforce you’re the boss, take time out, each day, to do nothing but gaze out the window for 5 or 10 minutes. The inner voice will shout louder than ever, but the more you ignore it, the faster it will eventually give up!
Practise mindfulness
We may be tiring of this current catch-word, but actively focusing on the present really can teach the brain to come into line with our wishes. Download a mindfulness app or head to Small Steps for some great, free, relaxation, breathing and mindfulness exercises. They will help slow your mind so you can attend to what you really want to enjoy in your retirement.
Slow cooking
When you were working, you reached for easy-to-prepare recipes, take-aways, and instant foods. Now you’re retired, it’s time to enjoy healthier, start-from-scratch meals. Not only are they likely to be more delicious, but taking the time out to prepare them will help train you into a slower pace of life. To help you get started, check out the Slow Food’s recipe page – and immerse yourself in a wealth of international dishes.
Prioritise
If you’ve worked hard all your life, you already know how to prioritise (if you didn’t, you’d never have met work deadlines while simultaneously managing life-admin and a home!). Now you’re retired, you need to keep prioritising, with enjoyment and relaxation taking centre stage. To help you do this, write a list of weekly ‘must-do’s’ (such as paying bills, home maintenance, grocery shopping, and health appointments). Next, slot in your leisure activities, treating them with equal importance so they don’t get forgotten.
Dream big
While working, there was little time for hopes and dreams. In fact, it’s very likely you suppressed those you did have for the simple reason you knew there was no time to see them through. Now you’re retired, your dreams can take flight! So, deliberately note them down, whether they be the holiday you’ve always wanted to take, finding the partner you wish you’d discovered earlier, purchasing the e-bike, giving a room a make-over, taking up a new sport or hobby, or becoming a pet-owner. Then, remind yourself you’re allowed to see them through, and what’s more, you have the time to do so!
Retirement isn’t something that happens to you. It’s something you make happen. Good luck on the adventure!