I retired three months back from a very hectic job. My life changed the day after my last working day. The first month felt like an extended holiday. I enjoyed not having to get up early and rush, I enjoyed my grand kids who had come over for the holidays, I loved having all the time in the world to read my newspaper and my favorite magazines and I even had fun catching up with the store of gossip that my wife had! But suddenly I felt empty and worthless. It was as if life had come to a standstill. Time hung heavy on my hands. I was lonely despite the fact that I was surrounded by so many!
Retirement from active life can often lead to doubts and misgivings about the future. It is common to feel an acute sense of loneliness and isolation. However, retirement need not be so bad. With a little bit of planning and good cheer, you can ensure that you live the twilight years of your life happily. Here are seven tips to help you out and ensure there is no excuse to be bored during retirement:
This is a good time to see if you have green fingers. Involve yourself in some gardening that is believed to be a highly therapeutic activity.
Explore your creative side
There is no better time than now to pursue your creative desires since you may not have had the time in your active life. You could take up painting or playing a musical instrument or even reading. Any activity that you enjoy will keep you busy and satisfied.
Involve yourself in activity
Maintaining a family scrap book can be great fun as you reminisce about the bygone days. This will also help to reinforce your sense of family and belongingness. Or you could pursue any other activity of your interest such as collecting stamps or coins or building a library of your favourite books.
Voluntary Work
How about offering your services to an NGO or a voluntary organization? This will keep you fruitfully occupied and give you a sense of worth also. The amount of time you devote to this is entirely a matter of personal choice.
Keep fit
You can start with a daily exercise routine that could be anything from going for a walk to join a laughing club to doing yoga. This will not only keep you hale and hearty but would be a good opportunity to meet and interact with other people of your age.
Rebuild Relationships
At this stage, friends take on a whole new meaning so if you have lost touch with your friends it would be a good idea to renew those contacts.
Miscellaneous
Remember that retirement is not the end of the world. It is the beginning of a new era, a new life so go ahead and live life kingsize.
