Ethan Sterling
Retirement’s supposed to be your chill time, where you kick back and enjoy all the hard work you’ve put in over the years.
But sometimes, certain habits can get in the way of that happiness.
We’ve all got those little things we do that might not be the best for us, especially as we hit retirement.
The key?
Well, figuring out what they are and giving them the boot.
Now, ditching these habits isn’t about losing a part of yourself.
Think about it more like making a conscious choice to have a retirement that’s as awesome as it should be.
In this piece, I’m going to guide you through some of the habits that might be messing with your retirement vibes. So, let’s get started and clear the way for some good retirement times.
1) Overplanning your days
You’re in luck! Retirement means you finally have the luxury of time.
But, here’s the kicker – attempting to fill every second of your day with activities can lead to exhaustion rather than enjoyment.
Being overly busy is a habit ingrained in many of us from our working days.
We’re conditioned to think that a packed schedule equates to productivity, success, and value.
But here’s the thing: retirement is your time to unwind and enjoy at your own pace.
Sure, I get that having a routine can be comforting, but overplanning can also steal away the spontaneity and joy that comes with retirement.
As with many things in life, it’s about striking a balance between scheduled activities and taking each day as it comes.
So, if you find yourself scheduling every minute of your day, it might be time to step back, relax, and let life unfold naturally. Embrace the freedom that retirement affords. Trust me; you’ll be happier for it.
But remember – it’s all about finding what works best for you in your retirement.
2) Neglecting physical health
My neighbor, John was an active guy who used to play tennis every weekend before his retirement.
However, when he retired, he felt misplaced and fell into the habit of leading a sedentary lifestyle. I noticed that his energy levels dropped, and he didn’t seem as joyful as he used to be.
So, I went up to him and suggested that he get back on the tennis court with me, and to his surprise, he felt great and reenergized.
It wasn’t just the game but the physical activity that added that extra oxytocin to his life.
But that wasn’t all, I won, and that never used to happen.
I didn’t have to encourage him again because he’d come every week looking for revenge.
Fortunately, his spirits improved, and he was happier than ever before.
The lesson here is clear: staying physically active is crucial for our well-being, especially in retirement.
This goes back as far as the Romans: “Mens sana in corpore sano”
3) Overspending
For most people, retirement doesn’t mean having an unlimited budget.
On the contrary, the absence of a regular income makes it even more crucial to monitor your expenses closely.
Initially, this can be frustrating for someone accustomed to a higher income while working or having the opportunity to earn extra for special financial needs.
However, this doesn’t mean living frugally or denying yourself the things you enjoy. It simply means making more conscious decisions about where your money goes.
According to a study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people over 65 spend, on average, about $49,000 per year.
This is significant, especially considering it occurs during a period of typically reduced income.
But you know what?
Managing a budget doesn’t have to be a negative experience. It can help you prioritize, enabling you to spend your money in the most enjoyable way possible.
Furthermore, if you’re prone to impulse buying, now is the time to challenge that habit for a more fulfilling retirement.
4) Isolating yourself
One of the most significant shifts in your social life will happen during this time, let’s face it.
The hard truth is, you’re no longer surrounded by colleagues and the buzz of an office and this sudden change can lead some people to unintentionally isolate themselves.
You see, humans are social creatures. Staying connected with friends, family, or even making new connections is vital for our mental and emotional well-being.
Have you noticed yourself falling into a pattern of spending most of your time alone?
Do you find it hard to find the time with your friends or family who are still working?
My advice?
Maybe it’s time to rethink that habit. Join local clubs or community groups, volunteer for a cause close to your heart, or even start a new hobby where you can meet like-minded people.
5) Ignoring mental stimulation
This one is tightly tied to our second point, “neglecting physical health”
Put simply: Just because you’ve retired from work, it doesn’t mean your brain should retire too!
Keeping your mind sharp and engaged is crucial for your overall well-being and happiness in retirement.
Many retirees fall into the habit of spending their free time in passive activities like watching TV.
While it’s perfectly fine to relax and enjoy your favorite shows, it’s also important to engage in activities that challenge your mind and keep those cognitive skills honed.
The good news is there are a lot of fun options!
For example:
- Reading a book
- Doing puzzles
- Learning a new language
- Taking up a new hobby.
In essence, you get the idea: To keep your brain active and stimulated.
6) Holding onto past regrets
Life has its share of bumps and detours.
Having said that, we all have things in our past that we wish we could change or decisions we regret.
But here’s the deal: Holding onto these regrets can cast a shadow over your retirement years.
Consider taking retirement as a new chapter.
That means it’s a time to look forward, not back. It’s about embracing the present and making the most of the time you have now.
After all, forgiving yourself for past mistakes isn’t always easy, but it’s important for your happiness. Instead of dwelling on regrets, use them as learning experiences.
Use them to grow, you didn’t retire from developing as a human being!
In a nutshell, if you find yourself clinging to past regrets, it’s time to let go.
7) Skipping regular check-ups
A few years back, I started working as an interpreter for foreign retirees in my town. It was an eye-opener in many ways, especially when I noticed how many of them were missing their regular health check-ups.
I always thought of myself as pretty healthy and didn’t see the point in going for check-ups. That mindset changed when I saw firsthand the complications some retirees faced because they had skipped their appointments.
Suddenly, the importance of those regular health visits became crystal clear to me.
Let me tell you, regular health check-ups are key, more so as we get older. They’re our best shot at catching any sneaky health issues early on, making them a lot easier to deal with.
In essence, it’s tempting to skip out on doctor’s visits when you’re feeling fine, but that’s a gamble that just isn’t worth it.
8) Neglecting your passions
Remember that painting class you always wanted to take or the book you wanted to write?
Retirement is the perfect time to pursue those passions that you may have put on the back burner during your working years.
While we’re employed, we get so caught up in our daily routines and responsibilities that we forget to make time for the things we love.
But when you retire, you have no excuse! Neglecting our passions can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.
Explore your passions, discover new hobbies, and reignite that spark.
After all, pursuing what you love will not only keep you engaged but also contribute to a more fulfilling and happier retirement.
9) Not setting personal goals
Setting personal goals is not just for your career; it’s equally important for your retirement.
Goals give you a sense of purpose, direction, and something to look forward to each day.
Whether it’s learning a new skill, traveling to a new place, or spending more time with your loved ones, having personal goals can significantly enhance your retirement life.
In the end, without goals, it’s easy to feel directionless and unfulfilled.
Final thoughts
The beauty of retirement is that it offers you a blank canvas.
It’s a unique opportunity to reshape your life in a way that brings you the most happiness and fulfillment.
Studies have found that retirement increases the chances of suffering from clinical depression by about 40%.
But with conscious choices and breaking away from harmful habits, we can rewrite this narrative.
The truth is that retirement is not about slowing down; it’s about switching gears.
It’s about finding joy in leisure, pleasure in activities, and satisfaction in living life at your own pace.
The habits you say goodbye to today can pave the way for a happier tomorrow. Embrace this journey with an open heart and a willing mind, and let retirement be your time to shine.
The choice is yours!
