How to Retire and Find Fulfillment in Your New Normal

When you think about retirement, what comes to mind? Lifestyle freedom or financial independence probably come to mind.   Most people approaching retirement have financially prepared for it. But for the retirement phase of your life to be truly enjoyable, you should have a holistic plan that encompasses the following:  

• Emotional, social, and mental well-being
• Physical conditioning
• Spirituality
• Financial preparedness

  Retirement can start with feelings of excitement and freedom. However, with no day job, boredom and anxiety can also begin to pop up.   Take these steps to have a fulfilling, holistic retirement:   Consider hobbies you want to start in your new free time. Fill your time with healthy outlets. Revisit hobbies, connect with friends and family, get involved in the community, or even write a book. Create a bucket list of places you want to travel to. Now that you’re no longer tied to your workplace 40 hours per week, you have much more free time to travel. Create a bucket list of places you’ve always wanted to go, and things you’ve always wanted to do. Retirement is the perfect time to visit those places and do those things. Look forward, not backward. Instead of living in regret, think about all that you can accomplish in retirement. Think about the possibilities of the future instead of what hasn’t been done in the past. Consider your finances and spending. When it comes to retirement, the earlier you save, the better. Do you need to adjust your spending habits in retirement? If you want to bring in extra income during retirement, consider taking on a part-time job. Stay connected. Staying connected with others and having conversations regularly is a great way to keep your mind sharp and heart full. Start a weekly breakfast club, invite family over regularly, and join groups to stay connected. Develop a routine. Developing a routine will give you stability in retirement. You can incorporate regular activities that keep you healthy: fitness classes, game nights with friends, a daily walk, etc. Do activities that will keep your mind sharp. As you get older, it’s important to continue doing activities that exercise your brain. It can be as simple as having regular conversations with others. Alternatively, you can also participate in activities such as playing chess and reading. Continue to eat healthy and be as active as possible. Getting older does not have to mean less activity. In retirement, you have more time to be active and take care of your health.

• Consider which fitness or aerobic activities for seniors you can join.
• Take regular walks in nature. Identify parks or paths that can keep you healthy.

  Plan volunteer work. Is there an organization or cause you can volunteer at? Think about organizations that are near and dear to your heart, and start making connections with their staff. Connect with your purpose. Retirement is also an opportunity to address longstanding life issues that have bothered you in the past. Review your beliefs and evaluate your life. Connect to your inner and outer purpose. Seek guidance from someone else, go to church, or take a course to take steps towards inner peace.   Retirement is an incredible time of life for you to reconnect with yourself, travel to places you’ve always wanted to go, and fill your time with fulfilling hobbies.   Although all this free time might feel hard to fill at first, do things like take classes and connect with others. Being involved in the community can help you find purpose and peace.