Top ways to make the most of your retirement
Although the thought of not working for many of us may sound like a wonderful prospect, when it comes down to it, it can be daunting and nerve wracking. Stepping away from work, friends and a routine can often leave people feeling lonely and unsettled, but there is a plethora of ways you can make the most of your retirement and to ensure you’re feeling as supported and settled as possible. In this article, we go through some of the simple ways you can make sure your retirement is everything you wished.
Top ways to make the most of your retirement:
- Develop a routine
- Volunteer
- Find new hobbies
- Get physically active
- Make time for friends and family
- Take time for yourself
Develop a routine
When you move away from working full-time or even part-time, you move away from a stable and comfortable routine, and this can often feel like a step backwards.
It is important that in your new life without work, you try and form some sort of routine that gives you structure and purpose. The routine can be as simple or as complex as you like and can be as small as just getting up and going to bed at the same time every day, having dinner at a set time and enjoying it with your partner, or going out for a walk every day. A routine can really boost your mood and allow you to live your new life full of motivation.
The British Heart Foundation comment on the importance of a routine on their website, describing: “You may find it feels more normal to continue getting up, eating, and going to bed at roughly the same time every day. Plan in regular activities such as voluntary work, exercise, and hobbies. This will keep things interesting and give you a purpose.
Volunteer
Volunteering is one of the best ways to offer your time and help, even if you’re not retired. But with a little more time on your hands, why not spend your time helping a cause or a charity you love or is close to your heart? Charities and organisations across the UK are always looking for people to help run events, fundraise and generally be a happy face for the brand. It may even be as simple as helping at your local homeless shelter once a week.
Charity Jobs list volunteer jobs across the UK and is always updated with new roles.
Find new hobbies
You may have had hobbies when you were working, but the increase in your free time might mean that you have a want to enjoy more fulfilling hobbies that maybe involve a team or socialising with others. A hobby can be anything from as simple as reading to a team sport, and there are so many options to choose from. If you’re active and love keeping your body moving, why not look for a low-impact sport or exercise class like yoga or walking, if crafts are more your thing, then look to join a local craft club or get to grips with knitting or crocheting.
Hobbies to enjoy in retirement:
- Cooking
- Baking
- Puzzling
- Gardening
- Learn a new language
- Exercise classes
Get physically active
As mentioned above, keeping active in retirement can have a huge impact on your mood, your physical and mental well-being, and your health. Even if you struggle with mobility and rely on aids like homelifts and stairlifts, there are still exercises and sports out there you can get involved in.
Yoga and pilates are great as low-impact activities that are amazing for those who are a little older. They allow the body to stay supple and mobile as well as keep your mind active. If you’re looking for something a little more fast-paced then why not consider joining a jogging or running club or getting a group of friends together to enjoy a game of tennis?
Make time for friends and family
Initially, you might feel like you have too much spare time in retirement, but with new hobbies and time to enjoy at home, it is important you still make time for the ones you love. Making time for your friends and family is crucial, and having a support network of people who care is essential for your well-being. Whether you have set days and times to see each other every week, or whether it is a simple text, phone call or Facetime, make sure you are setting time aside to show them you care.
Take time for yourself
It may sound silly, but during retirement, it is essential you are taking time for yourself. You’ve worked hard to be able to retire and you should enjoy it as you please and not feel pressure to follow the crowd and fill your time completely. Make sure you set aside time to do things you love, whether that is sitting in your garden, watching your favourite television programme, or just spending time with your pets or partner, this is your time to enjoy life.
Retirement is a time to fill with all the things you love and enjoy, but knowing where to start can sometimes be overwhelming, so hopefully this guide has given you a few ideas on what to focus on. If one of the things you want to sort out in retirement is your mobility and safety in your home, then make sure you look at our home lift costs in the UK, we have a plethora of great options that suit your individual needs. For more article like this, make sure you check out our blog.