Tips For a Smooth Transition Into Retirement

If retirement is approaching quickly, this is probably an exciting time for you. Retirement is a major life event, and it’s cause for celebration. After all, you’ve likely worked for most of your adult life. Retirement marks your transition into a new life phase where you are free from work obligations and can do what you wish with your time.
 
As exciting as retirement may be, many retirees struggle with the transition. A study of 18,000 retired men found that their happiness levels crashed in the months and years after retirement. Some retirees may even be at risk of depression or anxiety.1
 
There are a variety of reasons why some retirees struggle with the transition. It can be difficult to abruptly shift from a busy career to a wide-open schedule. Some people may feel that they lack purpose or are no longer needed. It’s also common for retirees to miss the friendships and social interactions that come with a career. It’s common for many retirees to struggle with loneliness and even depression.
 
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make the transition less difficult. If you recently retired or you’re nearing retirement, consider how you want to spend your time in retirement. Below are a few tips to help you make the adjustment:

Put something on your schedule each day.
 
One of the simplest and most effective steps you can take is to leave the house each day. When you don’t have anything on your schedule, it can be easy to simply stay home. That may be OK if it’s an occasional event. However, it could be problematic if it happens regularly. It can be easy for isolation and feelings of depression to set in.
 
Look for ways to leave the house, even if you don’t have something scheduled. Catch up with an old friend or colleague over coffee. Volunteer at a local charity. You could even just go to the park and take a walk. Any activity that forces you to leave the house and be around others is a great way to combat loneliness and feelings of sadness. Whatever the reason, find a way to get dressed each day and get out of the house.

Stay open-minded about new opportunities and experiences.
 
It’s possible that over time you’ve gotten in the habit of declining most requests. After all, when you’re busy with your career or children, you don’t have much spare time. It’s easy to say no to party invitations, lunch dates or extracurricular activities. Your mind may be in a default “no” mindset.
 
After retirement, try adopting a “yes” mindset. Try new things. Make time for new activities. For instance, consider joining a club or taking classes. Find old friends on social media and look for ways to reconnect with them. Consider joining a gym or other athletic club. Be proactive and open to new opportunities to socialize.

Look for volunteer or even part-time work opportunities.
 
Retirement and work may not seem to go together. The whole point of retiring is to leave work behind. However, a part-time or seasonal job could provide you with activity, socialization opportunities and some side income. If you don’t want to work, volunteer opportunities could offer similar benefits. A study even showed that retirees who work part time or volunteer are less vulnerable to serious illness and depression.1
 
Ready to develop your retirement strategy? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at Sprouse Financial Group. We can help you analyze your needs and implement a plan. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation.
 
1https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2017-07-28/can-retirement-be-a-depression-risk

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17859 – 2018/7/31