Ease the Transition Into Retirement With These Tips

Are you preparing for retirement? If so, this is probably an exciting time. Retirement is a major life goal that should be celebrated. It marks the end of a successful career and the beginning of the next phase of your life. If you’re like most people, you’re probably excited for retirement.
 
Unfortunately, many new retirees find that the excitement fades quickly. In fact, retirement can actually be a difficult 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 people struggle as they enter retirement. Some may feel that they have no purpose without the challenge of a career. Others may be overwhelmed by their open schedule and may have difficulty deciding how to spend their time. Still others may simply miss the friendships and socialization opportunities that come with a career.
 
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:

Find a reason to get out of the house.
 
The most effective step you may be able to take is simply to leave the house each day. When you’re retired, it’s easy to take relaxation a bit too far. Before you know it, you’re not getting dressed for the day or leaving the house as much as you should. Loneliness and depression can set in quickly.
 
Instead, think of ways you can get out of the house and stay active. Meet an old colleague or friend for coffee. Volunteer at a local charity or school. You could even take classes or find a meetup group in an area that interests you. Even getting out of the house for a walk or to run errands could be helpful to your mood. Whatever the reason, find a way to get dressed each day and get out of the house.

Develop a habit of saying yes instead of no.
 
When you’re busy building your career or raising kids, it’s easy to get in the habit of declining many requests. You may not have time for a lunch date with an old friend or to attend a party. You might be too busy to play in the weekly golf league. It’s easy to set “no” as your default response to most invitations.
 
After retirement, try setting your default response to “yes.” Try new things. Make time for new activities. For instance, consider joining a club or taking classes. Reconnect with old friends on social media and look for ways to connect with them. Consider joining a gym or other athletic club. Be proactive and open to new opportunities to socialize.

Consider part-time work or volunteer 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 Nicky Derouen Financial Services. 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

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