When I first retired I wasted a lot of time, do you?

First off, congratulations on reaching retirement! Whether you just stepped into this new phase or are thinking about it, you're in for an incredible journey. And let's be honest—one of the biggest perks of retirement is finally getting to waste a bit of time guilt-free. But there’s a fine line between savouring those free moments and falling into the black hole of procrastination, and that’s what we’re here to talk about today.

Now, did you know that the average person in the UK wastes about 218 minutes a day? That’s three and a half hours every day! And yes, I’d love to pretend that I know nothing about time-wasting—but that would be a lie! I’m guilty of putting off tasks, endlessly organizing my to-do list, and, of course, finding any excuse to grab a snack. But while we can all enjoy a bit of time-wasting now and then, too much of it can sneak up on us, turning into what I call “professional procrastination.”

Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: it’s absolutely okay to waste some time! In fact, it’s practically a rite of passage for retirees. After all, you’re not a machine that has to be running at full speed 100% of the time. We all need those little breaks to recharge, to relax, and yes, even to daydream. Because you know what? Some of the best ideas and happiest moments come from those “wasted” hours—when our minds can wander freely. Heck, some of the greatest inventions probably came to life because someone took a “productive break” by staring out the window for a bit.

That said, it’s easy for our well-deserved relaxation to slide into “serial slacking.” And that’s where a few time-taming tricks can come in handy—nothing too strict, just a few gentle nudges to help us avoid spending every afternoon on the couch with reruns.

Here are a few simple strategies that can help us toe the line between healthy downtime and full-on time-wasting:

1.     Set Tiny Goals
Notice I said tiny. Big goals are great, but they can also scare us right back onto the couch. Start small, like “organize one drawer,” or “spend ten minutes planning that garden.”

2.     Make Friends with To-Do Lists
Now, I’m not talking about a 100-item list. Keep it manageable. Maybe write down three things for the day, just enough to give a little purpose without overwhelming you.

3.     Eliminate the Black Hole Distractions
Let’s face it, some of us have phones that practically beg us to check social media, news apps, and games every few minutes. But if we cut down a bit, we'll be surprised at how much time we actually have to enjoy our day.

4.     Reward Yourself
Got through one of those tiny goals? Well done! Reward yourself with something you enjoy—a nice walk, some time in the garden, or, yes, even a cozy TV break.

5.     Be Kind to Yourself
Retirement isn’t a race or a job. It’s okay if you don’t master the art of productivity every day. Every once in a while, give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing. The trick is finding that balance between “rest mode” and “sleep mode” so we don’t get too comfortable doing, well, nothing at all.

The bottom line? Enjoy the gift of time, but keep a little bit of structure around it. Do what works for you, adjust as you go, and remember—you’re not alone in the quest for a happy, fulfilling retirement. So go ahead, waste a little time, recharge, and know that, sometimes, that’s exactly what you’re meant to do.