5 Ways to Stay Busy and Productive After Retirement
When you retire, you feel as though a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. You’ve been working all your life, and now is the time to relax, take it easy and enjoy life.
However, retiring doesn’t mean you become sluggish hermit. Pursue passions that excite you so you don’t get bored. You can get up in the morning and choose things to do that excite you. Make the most of each day by doing something you enjoy and make you feel good about yourself.
Try these 5 ways to stay busy and productive:
- Be Creative. If you like drawing and painting, now is the time to start that painting you’ve had on hold for a long time. Sketching, doodling, and calligraphy are also great ways to be artistic and creative.
Writing is probably a skill you’ve forgotten how to do in this day and age, but if you start by writing just one paragraph each day, you’ll quickly grow to love it. Then you can take it a step further and begin writing your memoirs, or may be even try your hand at writing articles or short stories.
You probably have a list of books you’ve been meaning to read for some time now, but have been putting it off for one reason or another. Now is the time to go through that list and delve into the wonderful world of books.
Go to your local library or bookstore and start working your way through your list. A great way to fully enjoy your reading experience is by taking your book outside if the weather is nice or to a nearby café if you need to be indoors. It will force you to be energetic and leave the house, instead of sluggish and lazy all day long.
Another advantage of reading in a public place is that it enhances whatever book you have. It makes you use all your senses as you’re reading which makes it all that more enjoyable. - Learn Something New. Keep learning and trying new things. When you’re mentally engaged, you create new pathways that maintain your mental health. You reduce your risk of memory loss, dementia, and lack of concentration. A great way to do this is learn something new that challenges you and piques your interest.
There are many online apps that offer courses, be it language or other topics; some are even completely free. However, it’s better to go out of the house for your new learning experience. Learning in a group helps you connect with other people who share similar interests and passions. - Stay Physically Active. There are many types of fun activities you can do alone or in a group. You can go golfing, swimming or jogging. All are excellent ways to stay fit and in shape. If you would like to sign up for a fitness class, there are centers that offer senior classes, which is also a great way to meet new people and connect socially.
Some benefits of exercising are:
- Build up your cardiovascular system
- Lift your mood
- Keep your brain active
- Naturally detoxify your body
- Maintain your body weight
- Improve your quality of sleep
- Strengthen your immune system
- Be Socially Active. You can join a club. Choose a club that excites you and appeals to your interests. Look for online listings in your area, or postings in local coffee shops or grocery stores.
Check out cultural events happening near you. Make a date with yourself and go see the opera or the ballet.
Another great way to offer your time in a valuable way and stay socially active is by doing volunteer work.
There are programs that give you the opportunity to mentor students, young and old, in a literacy program. You can also help out at the library, the hospital or even help a small business stand on its feet.
It might seem ironic, but you may get a part-time job doing something new and exciting, something much unconnected to your previous career. It will give you a little extra cash and will give you a sense of fulfillment. - Travel. This doesn’t have to be a trip around the world, or a Mediterranean cruise. It can be something simple that doesn’t break the bank, like going on a car trip to the beach, or to a nearby destination, you’ve always wanted to visit.
You can also visit friends and family who live far away. Going south for the winter may be a good idea for those who are tired of suffering through cold, icy winters. You can also rent a camper and travel for longer periods of time on a budget.
Retirement is a time of life when YOU get to make choices and enjoy your life without the restriction of a 40-hour or more work week. So enjoy it!
