Think about it, you work everyday with the same people. Some of them have become your friends. You’re busy, you have things to do, and you feel productive. Then one day, you’re home. No one is around. And you have nothing to do. It’s boring. You’ve spent so much time working that you don’t have any hobbies or things to fill your mind and your time. So, you get lonely, sad, and even depressed. And if retirement was forced due to health issues, it can create even more mental health issues.
People save for retirement for years. Many imagine all the things they can do with free time on their hands. But in reality retirement can lead to depression, loss of identity and in some cases anxiety. You just don’t know what to do with yourself. Fortunately, many of these issues are easily addressed if you know about them in advance.
What can you do about it? It’s possible to keep your mental health thriving in retirement. You just need to rethink how your time will be spent.
Keep a Schedule
Some people find that the lack of structure retirement provides is too overwhelming. Keep a schedule of when to wake up, eat meals, exercise, do activities. A schedule helps set the pace for the day and lets you know what’s coming next. It becomes one less thing to think about.
Create Goals
Imagine spending a lifetime setting goals at work to all of sudden having no goals. It creates a wide range of emotions for older adults. Set goals and create milestones for a month, six months, and a year down the road. Maybe the goals are related to a new hobby you want to learn. Maybe they are connected to health goals. Perhaps they are related to places you want to visit. Whatever they are tied to, it’s important to have them.
Make New Friends
The workplace was probably full of people. Home might have you and one or two others. Friendships are powerful for your mental health. Meet up with people on different days of the week. Maybe you go walking in your neighborhood every day with the same person. Maybe you meet up for coffee or go shopping with another. Invite friends over for dinner. Play card games or board games.
Older adults may need to rethink how to make friends, but it’s possible even in retirement. Those bonds are powerful to improve your mental health. It gives you something to look forward to. Where can you find these friends? Some find new friends at senior centers, others connect with people at religious services, and some older adults meet new people simply taking a stroll down the street. You never know who you’ll meet wherever you go.
Volunteer
Part of the challenge people face in retirement is not feeling needed or productive. Becoming a volunteer helps in so many different ways. Volunteering gives you something to do. It gives you someone to help and it connects you with other people who have similar passions. Older adults who volunteer often find they don’t struggle with mental health problems. They find renewed purpose and this helps their overall health.
Exercise
Did you know that exercise boosts neurotransmitters that make you feel happier? Just 30 minutes of light exercise a day you can boost your mood and improve your physical health. Try walking, swimming, or playing tennis if you can. Make it fun. Dance classes are very popular for aging adults because they are exciting, help you connect with new people, and give you something to look forward to each week.
Try Something New
As we age, the brain pathways that are necessary to form new habits become more rigid. Make a concerted effort to learn something new. Read a book, watch videos, take a class, or try something you haven’t tried before. You’ll find that the simple act of doing something outside your normal routine creates a boost to your mental health and happiness.
Get a Hobby
When you work all the time you probably didn’t have time for hobbies. Paint, build things, write, sing, or learn to dance. The time you spend creating things or doing your hobby helps you feel accomplished. This sense of accomplishment helps keep depression at bay.
Leverage Technology
Being alone at home for a long time can make anyone sad. Technology is a great way to stay connected to people who are far away. Get on the phone or video call with your friends. You can leverage Skype, Messenger calls, and many other technology options.
Get a Dog
Or get a cat. But having pets boosts the mental health of many older adults. Caring for pets makes people less agitated, less depressed, and more social. Having a dog especially encourages physical activity because you have to walk them daily. Pets help reduce anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and even helps you recover from heart attacks. They can also reduce the number of times you visit the doctor. One of the reasons they are so beneficial is that they fulfill the basic human need for touch. People pet and hold their animals and this helps release feel-good chemicals in the body and brain. These chemicals reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.
Play Brain Games
Our brains are amazing. Like a muscle, though, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Playing daily games like crossword puzzles, sudoku, word puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles are great ways to stimulate your brain so you don’t lose your mental capacity.
Don’t Worry
Retirement can leave people feeling anxious and worrying about the future. It’s important to focus on the things you can control, and not worry about the rest. You may not know exactly what you’re going to do with your time in retirement, but you have time to figure it out. Take it one day at a time. Take a trip, evaluate your budget, visit friends. These can all help you have good mental health in retirement.