5 Ways to Stay Positive and Happy During Retirement
Our retirement years are truly the golden years of our lives, but making the transition from your pre-65 years to your new retirement life can be challenging for some, as the daily routines surrounding our jobs and other responsibilities change and we are left with a sense of uncertainty about .
However, don’t forget this adjustment is just temporary, and you will be enjoying all that retirement has to offer in no time. To help you make the change, we have some simple tips on how to keep your spirits up during retirement.
Keep some structure in your day
Waking up with a wide-open day after spending decades of your life with a regular daily calendar can be a bit of a shock. The solution? Add some routine back in.
This can be as easy as blocking off a regular time in the morning to have your coffee and read the newspaper, scheduling in some physical activity, or for hobbies you are interested in starting. You don’t have to fill your entire day, but adding a few events to your schedule can make a big difference.
Keep in touch with your family, especially grandchildren
During our working lives, it can be challenging to fit in as much time with our families as we like. This isn’t a problem anymore in your retirement years, so take advantage of your new family time! If you have a relative that you’ve always wanted to better connect with, now is the time to reach out.
Even more so for those with grandchildren -- you can now have a regular presence in your grandson or granddaughter’s life. Even in the current climate, you can still connect via phone or video call, which we can assist you with here at Sundial Lakeview Retirement Residence. Keeping in touch will soon be one of the highlights of your retirement.
Look into volunteer opportunities
Finding ways to give back to your community is another activity that you can more easily find time for once you retire. It’s never too late to start volunteering! If you are feeling aimless or without direction after making the move to retirement, getting involved with an organization may be the solution you’re looking for.
You can find an online directory of charitable organizations looking for volunteers or search for opportunities right here in Orillia. Volunteering will not only help you make a difference, but can also lead to new friendships.
Start a new hobby or activity
Don’t wait to challenge yourself a bit in retirement. Ease the transition and keep yourself positive by starting early on a new hobby or taking up a new physical activity. Indoors or outdoors, there is no shortage of things to try out.
Some great options here including painting or drawing class, seasonal baking, and new forms of exercise like medium-length bike rides in the summer and cross-country skiing in winter. Oh, and the best thing is, all these activities are offered as part of Sundial Retirement’s regular programming (see some highlights on our Facebook page) or can be done around the local Orillia community!
Set some short- and long-term goals
Thinking ahead and starting to plan out your retirement goals can make the shift easier. These can include not only your longer-term goals, such as personal accomplishments or major activities like global trips you want to take, but short-term goals too! One good tool to use here is a goal setting matrix, like this tool thought up by former US president Dwight Eisenhower (who certainly accomplished a lot of his goals).
Set some simple short-term goals, like going for a bike ride three times a week, and you’ll give yourself a feeling of satisfaction that you are making progress on getting the most out of retirement.
The team here at Sundial Lakeview Retirement Resident is also here to assist you maximize your golden years and have the best Orillia retirement. Whether that’s making sure you have a positive social environment with regular activities and outings, healthy and delicious chef-cooked meals, or access to modern exercise equipment, we are here to help! If you have any questions or are curious about a tour, don’t hesitate to contact us today.