Tips to master retiring from work – not life
So you’ve spent the last few decades waking up to an alarm clock and getting yourself to work each day. Now that retirement is upon you, it’s your time to do what you really want to do. However, you might be worried about how you will cope with such a big change to your lifestyle.
Follow our tips below to ensure you retire from work - but not from life itself.
1. Make some lists
Now is the time to do what you always wanted to do but didn’t have the time. Start writing things down so that if you find yourself wondering what to do you can refer to it. For instance you might want to read your way through the New York Times bestseller list, or binge-watch a whole series of Downton Abbey.
2. Take a trip
Now that you no longer have to get approval from work to take two weeks off, why not book yourself a trip? It’s great to have something to look forward to, and you can spend time doing some research online before you go. It could be a camping holiday to the beach, a drive down the Great Ocean Road, a cruise, or even the holiday of a lifetime to Hawaii.
3. Cook up a storm
As you’re no longer bogged down by time constraints, why not release your inner chef and get cooking in the kitchen? You could master the art of the perfect cheesecake, or even cook your way through an entire Jamie Oliver book.
4. Join some groups
There are so many people out there who just want to feel connected to the community just like you. Find something that you are interested in, and ask around or look online for a group or club to join. It might be a Men’s Shed, a book club, a group of gardeners who like to swap clippings, a wine club, or maybe a walking group that meet twice a week. Can’t find what you’re after? Start your own!
5. Take a class
For something more formal, why not make the most of your time and take a class in something you are interested in. You could learn a language, learn to use that DSLR camera, learn to play Bridge, take a woodwork class, or even a computer literacy course.
6. Make some memories
If you are lucky enough to have some grandkids nearby, spend some time thinking about ways to connect with them and make positive memories for them. Teach them something you are good at, take them to a show, go camping with them, or just organise a movie night with popcorn and pyjamas.
7. Get moving
Retirement doesn’t have to mean you are stuck at home or sitting in a rocking chair. Keep active and it will help freshen the mind as well as the body. You could take part in a gym class, find an aqua aerobics class, try Zumba, join a cricket or tennis club, or work on your golf game. Sport and fitness is a great way to meet new friends, or catch up with old ones.
8. Give back
Now that you have more time available you could consider doing some charity work for a cause that you believe in. You could help out in a charity store, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, ask at your local church if they need a hand with anything, or join an official program such as a mentoring or foster care program. Think about what social justice issues resonate with you and this might help you find the charity work that suits you.
9. Plan some short trips
Instead of just visiting out of town relatives and friends for birthdays, weddings or funerals, why not arrange a visit just to catch up? It can be really relaxing to spend time with people without the pressure of a big social event or sad occasion.
10. Be a tourist
So often we live in an area and don’t make the most of the attractions that it has to offer. Spend a weekend as a tourist – catch the bus, visit a gallery, eat fish and chips in the park, go and see a show. Why not even book a hotel for the night!
Related links:
Should you "practive" retirement?
8 steps to mentally prepare yourself for retirement
6 questions you must ask yourself before downsizing