How not to be bored in retirement

 Here are some ways to solving the problems identified in yesterdays post:

1. Plan before you retire

Many people think it is a good idea that you don’t retire until you have a plan for your time.

2. Get a dog

Dogs definitely keep you busy. And it's nice to go on walks with them.

3. Have a purpose

Your purpose can be having fun relaxing or saving mankind from peril. It doesn’t really matter what it is.

4. Make lists or rules

For those who are list makers make a list of rules. Here are some to start: 1. Stay busy. 2. Do good. 3. Keep moving.

5. Make new friends

Get familiar with web site www.meetup.com. It’s free and you will quickly find others with similar interests and hobbies.

6. Forget routines: Explore the luxury of free and unstructured time

There is zero need for a routine. Let go of the of the work paradigm and embrace the luxury of time. There is no ‘wasting’ time in retirement. You do what you want to do when you want to do it. There are no agendas, no timelines, etc.… Your entire retired life is free time now. Explore that luxury.

7. Have hobbies, not routines

Hobbies are important some people need routines and I respect that so if you need to follow a routine

8. Keep to a routine

While many experts endorse the benefits of unstructured time, much research suggests that having a routine can help you stay mentally, physically and emotionally healthy.

Another reason for having a routine is that if you are following a routine, your family will not be able to find things for you to do.

9. Read Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals is a book by Oliver Burkeman. The book’s title refers to the finite number of years you’ll live, assuming you make it to 80.

He addresses the struggle of how to best use your 4,000 weeks. “Drawing on the insights of both ancient and contemporary philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual teachers, Oliver Burkeman delivers an entertaining, humorous, practical, and ultimately profound guide to time and time management. Rejecting the futile modern fixation on ‘getting everything done,’ Four Thousand Weeks introduces readers to tools for constructing a meaningful life by embracing finitude, showing how many of the unhelpful ways we’ve come to think about time aren’t inescapable, unchanging truths, but choices we’ve made as individuals and as a society ― and that we could do things differently.”

10. Make a to-do jar

Write down things you want to do, like 100 of them, and put them in a jar. Pull one out a week and DO it. Also, find one NEW thing to do in each of these categories: physical, spiritual, creative, intellectual, social, relationship and community. That gives you a well-rounded life to keep you busy and fulfilled.

11. Use a calendar

 If you put it on the calendar, it will happen, if not you may spend way too much time on Facebook and other time wasters.”

12. Make screen time limits

Technology can be a time suck. And, with nothing but time in retirement, you want to be careful not to use up your time on the boob tube, phone or other mindless screens. So. give yourself time limits on the screen.

13. Go back to work

Yep. Many retirees find happiness by going back to work but those who do, work part-time and usually control their schedule of when they work.

14. Be accountable to someone

Tell others what you want to do, and ask them to follow up with you so you can be accountable for your action. Being accountable is a strong motivator.