Five Expert Tips to Combat Boredom in Retirement
You may have a financial retirement portfolio but do you have a psychological retirement portfolio?
Let's be honest. Your job is a huge part of your life. It takes up a big part of your daily routine. Including a commuting time and lunch it could be 10 hours or more. Furthermore, many people’s self-esteem is connected to their work.
After retiring you will have a lot more time on your hands. This can easily translate into boredom. Boredom can morph into emotional distress as one day seems like every other.
Most people glorify the notion of retirement. One of the greatest advantages of retirement is that greater time you have. However, if you fail to plan you are planning to fail.
I was recently in the airport awaiting a flight, when I overhead two people in the line in front of me talking. The older man was telling the lady in front of him that he recently returned to work as a physician. He was telling her that retirement was driving him bunkers. 'There is only so much golf you can play and traveling you can do', he said.
This man who had a passion for his life-long work as a physician did not plan for retirement. He quickly became bored. He was no longer engaged in his life's purpose. He was also noted to be lamenting about his daughter, also a physician, and how proud he was of her. He seemed to also envy her busy schedule.
You may also find yourself gain weight if you had an active job in which you are no longer engaged. Even if you did have a desk job, you may be less active during your day then you were previously. You may also find yourself eating more during the day by snacking out of boredom.
So, what can you do to combat boredom in retirement.
Let's consider some tips that can help.
New Routine - Human being thrive on routine and predictability in their lives. Develop a new routine which includes a schedule of daily activities that are enjoyable and meaningful to you. While flexibility in your schedule is an advantage of retirement, you now have more flexibility and choice. Develop a balance between social activities, family life, and alone time, daily duties and downtime.
Sleep - Establish a regular bedtime and awakening time. Retirees that develop an irregular sleep schedule, take frequent naps and are less active develop a sleep disturbance.
Nutrition - Eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Avoid consumption of sugar, salt and alcohol which will increase weight. Consume as much natural food as possible. Consider fresh fruit and vegetables. These are high in fiber and good for your health. With your greater time you can enjoy cooking or preparing foods that avoid processed ingredients. Take a cooking class or give one at the local high school or community college.
Work Part-Time - Just because you have retired doesn't mean you can't work part time, start a home business or start a new career. Even if you don't need the money, engaging in employment or volunteerism can allow for socialization and provide meaning to your life.
Learn New Things - Many high schools, universities and community colleges offer non-credit courses to learn new things. Many retired people like courses to enhance personal interests and hobbies. When you were working those long days, these kids of course may not have been practical to your job or job search. But now, you can enroll in courses for enrichment and pleasure. Many colleges offer reduced fees or course for free to retires.
Your changed lifestyle after retirement doesn't have to lead to boredom, stress, loneliness or unhealthy habits. Developing some of the routines and others mentioned above may work wonder for your life and health.
Retirement can be a wonderful and meaningful stage of your life.
If you feel stressed as you approach or are in retirement, reach out to Fearless Mind for a free consultation. Retirement coaching may be a great solution for you.
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