When planning for retirement, have you planned to do anything other than being financially “fit”? Complement being financially “fit” with being “fit” emotionally, socially and physically. Here are some suggestions to help you reach that goal.
1. Plan something to look forward to
As with any change, retirement can be challenging. When going through times that aren’t so easy, looking forward to something positive can be energizing and motivate us to move forward! Examples include anything from planning to get together with a special friend at your favorite restaurant to something more extravagant like going on vacation. “Anticipation” often serves as a powerful emotion that can improve our lives.
2. Strengthen existing relationships and build new ones
After retiring, it’s common for retirees to lose relationships with their friends at work. This is now the perfect time to strengthen relationships with family members, partners, children and friends. Create new friendships through volunteering, part-time jobs, hobbies, and other social activities. Studies show socialization helps keep you physically and emotionally fit.
3. Practice self-care by focusing on:
Physical health – Eat healthy and give yourself permission to splurge now and then. Stay active by getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Listen to your body and seek out a professional if something doesn’t seem normal.
Brain health – Find ways that stimulate your brain; continue to learn.
Emotional health – Surround yourself with people you enjoy being with and who share the same interests. Also, plan time to be just with you.
Spirituality – We discover our spirituality by finding “whatever works” for us to move forward in our lives. For some it’s religion, others find it through meditation, mindfulness, nature, looking for the good, being a giver, etc. Do what works for you.
4. Reward Yourself
It’s easy to fall short doing what we know is best. Keep yourself accountable and when you are successful in doing something new or you “should have been doing” all along, reward yourself. You deserve it!