You are going to retire now
or one day in the very near future. Retiring is scary for some; I know it was
for me. To cope I was lucky enough to go back to work, but many do not have
that opportunity. It took me over 7 years from the time I retired until I started
to appreciate my retirement. What I had to do was transform my behaviour. Here
are some things I did that helped me realize that retirement with good health is
a wonderful opportunity to do what you want.
1.
Connect with
people. I looked for support, advice and validation from people I cared for. If
you can hug or embrace someone today.
2.
Make facetime a
priority. I took the time to talk to friends or family face-to-face, sure I
use the Internet but I prefer personal contact and it helps me stay grounded. If
you can plan to spend more time with your loved ones.
3.
Go out with
friends. I meet with friends at least once a week and sometimes I go out even if
I do not feel like it. No man is an island. Your inner circle of friends is
there to give you moral support. Spending time and engaging in worthwhile
activities with them gave me a very satisfying feeling, it might help you as
well.
4.
Establish closer
ties with your family. The love and care expressed by others could tremendously
contribute to boosting your immune system and fend off illnesses.
5.
Take on different
responsibilities. Start with taking care of a few small tasks, but learn your
limits and stay within them. In other words, learn to say no.
6.
Smile. Smiling lifts
your mood and lower stress.
7.
Laugh. Laughter
triggers the release of endorphins, the brain's "feel-good"
chemicals. Try to have fun. Social activities such as chatting, joining a
support group, sports, and other hobbies can do wonders towards healing a
stressed out and busy mind.
8.
Use ‘ME-TIME’
positively. Occupy your mind by tackling a jigsaw puzzle, a logic problem, a
crossword, painting, playing a musical instrument or whatever you have interest
in.
9.
Be active. Pick
up a sport, you liked or wanted to try. My sport is golf, but we have removed
the stress of the game, by no longer keeping score.
10.
Get creative.
Express yourself through music, art, or writing.
11.
Be entertained.
Read a good book, watch a funny movie or TV show.
12.
Get
moving. Listen to upbeat music.
Just move to the beat and let all
your stress flow out of your fingertips and toes.
13.
Explore. You have
time, so use it to explore your community, make a day trip to a museum, the
mountains, or the ballpark.
14.
Travel. Go on an
epic adventure, we have been on 8 epic adventures since I retired and I have
been on at least 14 small week-long excursions with friends and family. Travel
does open your mind and awakes you to the wonders of the world and the joys of
coming home.
15.
Consider volunteering.
Busy hands are happy hands. Volunteering at a local hospital or becoming
involved in some type of community activity could offer personal satisfaction
and enjoyment.
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