LIFESTYLE NEWS - Retirement can be a major source of stress because your job may have been a very important part of your life.
This stress may be even greater if you were forced to retire because of your employer's retirement policies.
You may lose your sense of identity and feel worthless. You will probably miss the daily contact with friends from work.
However, retirement does not have to be a sad time, and there are things you can do to meet the challenges facing you, such as:
Make a list of your abilities and skills. Your work experiences may help you succeed in a small business or do valuable volunteer work for a favourite charity.
Renew your interest in the hobbies and activities you enjoy.
If you can afford it, consider travel. There are probably places you have wanted to see all your life. The early years of your retirement can be the ideal time to become a nomad for a while.
Stay socially connected in whatever way works for you.
Review your finances and living costs for the peace of mind that you can sustain your li-ving needs. Get help from someone to plan if needed.
Everyone needs some time alone, but being alone against your will is very painful. You risk losing your sense of purpose and self-worth.
Being retired changes your social life but there are things to do to avoid loneliness:
- Stay active and look for new social contacts. Most communities have a number of programmes.
- Try to make friends with people of different ages. You may be pleasantly surprised to find how much you have in common.
- Spend time with grandchildren or other young family members.
- Volunteer to help part-time in a local school or daycare centre. Very young children can brighten up your life with their enthusiasm and energy.
- Learn to recognise and deal with the signs of depression. Your family doctor can refer you to a mental health professional for treatment if needed.
- Staying physically healthy
The physical changes you undergo throughout your retirement years can also be a source of stress. Here are some things you can do to stay as physically active and as fit as possible:
Accommodate to your physical changes. Get the things that will help you – glasses or hearing aids, for example.
Keep a positive attitude. Chances are you will still be able to do almost all the things you used to; you may just need to take a little more time and learn to pace yourself.
See your family doctor or health and wellness providers regularly.
Be careful about your medications, they may begin to affect you differently than before. Make sure your doctor and healthcare providers know about all your medications. Keep an up to date list in your wallet.
Take responsibility for your own health. Do not hesitate to ask your healthcare provider questions.
Adopt a balanced, nutritious diet, and try not to over-eat.
Drink less alcohol. Your body will have more difficulty coping with it as you grow older.
Regular exercise and physical activity can be both healthy and enjoyable like walking, swimming, dance classes etc.
Although your body and lifestyle are changing, your personality remains the same. You are still you. Remaining active and with a positive outlook can allow for many more years of enjoying life.
Source: hmentalhealthminute.com
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