Retirement should be a happy and fulfilling time in your life, but despite this, many people stop working and find it difficult to adjust and make the most out of their newfound freedom. There should be one objective in mind in retirement: happiness. So, what is the secret to a happy retirement? There are a few key areas that you will want to focus on.
Physical Activity
First, you want to make sure that you are physically active in retirement. Obviously, this is important from a physical health standpoint but also your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins and supports feelings of happiness, so it is important to find at least one physical activity that you enjoy. This could be going to the gym, playing tennis, swimming or even just going for a brisk daily walk.
Spiritual Awakening
Retirement should also be a time for nourishing your spiritual health, which is something that many people neglect during their working life. How you do this will depend on your own personality and beliefs – it could involve going to church, meditating, spending more time in nature or taking some time out to go to a retreat.
Share Your Happiness
It is also important that you share your happiness and spend time with loved ones. Psychologists found that it is important for couples to act together and align their hopes and dreams before they stop working, so you should speak with your partner to determine what you both want out of retirement. It is worth looking into an equity release mortgage if you need some extra money to fund your retirement as this allows you to access money that is tied up in your home. This could then be used to renovate your home, travel or simply improve your standard of living during a time when you want to make sure that you are able to do everything that you want.
Additionally, it is important to find ways to stay connected socially. Social isolation has been linked to higher rates of heart disease and stroke, increased risk of dementia and depression and anxiety. Therefore, you should spend time with loved ones, attend local events and/or volunteer to feel connected.
Happiness should be the primary objective in retirement, but many people find it hard to adapt to their new lifestyle. The above are the main areas to focus on that will, hopefully, help you to find happiness and make the most out of this chapter in your life.
