Emotionally Prepare for Retirement

With so much focus on financially preparing for retirement, people often forget to plan for the emotional changes that come with it. Retirement can make you feel a mixture of emotions, so it's important to do your emotional homework, too. We'll walk you through the common emotional stages of retirement and ways you can look after yourself. Read on for tips to help you along the way.

Steps

Create new goals for yourself.

1. Identify things you've always wanted to try or do when you had more time. If you're like most people, you probably told yourself you'd get around to doing things once you retired. This comes at a great time, since you may struggle with a lack of identity when you leave a job you've held for a long time.
   • You might tell yourself that now you can volunteer in your community, help out with your grandkids, or teach a friend something you're skilled at.

Write in a gratitude journal or meditate.

1. Self-reflection helps you focus on the positive if you're anxious about retirement. Retirement can bring on a rollercoaster of emotions and it can really help to ground yourself with a positive attitude. Set aside a few minutes every day to think about what you're looking forward to about retirement. Write it down in a notebook or just think about it. You might write or think:
   • "I love spending time with my grandson. I'm really looking forward to seeing him more."
   • "It will be so nice when I don't have to rush off to work in the morning. I'll be able to enjoy coffee and my morning paper."
   • "I can finally take those trips I've been putting off forever. Planning them is going to be really enjoyable."

Stay active and get fit.

1. Do physical activities every day if you worry about a sedentary lifestyle. Your job might have kept you in good physical shape if you had to move around a lot. You may fear that you won't be as active once you retire, but if you make a plan for movement, it will be second nature. You might:
   • Walk around the neighborhood
   • Jog with a friend
   • Work out at the gym every few days
   • Garden in the evenings

Talk with friends or family.

1. Share how you're feeling, so you feel supported during the transition to retirement. If you're feeling anxious or pessimistic, talk with loved ones about your blessings. It can help to refocus your mind. If you're eager about retirement, share that too! Loved ones are your support network and they want to know how you're doing.
   • For instance, you might say, "Sometimes, I just feel so nervous about retirement. I am really looking forward to taking some classes at the community center though."

Ease into retirement.

1. Go part-time or cut back your hours if you dislike abrupt change. It can be a massive shock to go from working a full-time job for decades to suddenly having free time. If you like the idea of working less, ask your employer if you can do a phased retirement over several years or switch to part-time until you feel comfortable retiring.
   • Cutting back hours is a great way to practice your retirement schedule and financial budgeting. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for actual retirement!

Make a plan for the free time you'll have.

1. Sure, having absolutely no plans is great for a while. However, you may find that you miss structure or having a purpose. It can really help to set goals for yourself or come up with a loose schedule. For instance, you might include:
   • Taking classes
   • Watching your grandkids
   • Having coffee with friends
   • Checking out local exhibits
   • FaceTiming with distant family

Volunteer or work a few days a week.

1. If you're missing the rhythm of a schedule and job, look for one! Many organizations hire part-time workers or volunteers who can put in a few hours a week and help out. This is a great option if you're struggling for a reason to get out of bed in the morning. In fact, studies have shown that retirees who transition out of the workforce enjoyed better mental and physical health than people who completely retired.
   • The great thing about a part-time job or volunteer opportunity in retirement is that you can be as choosy as you like. Only sign up if you really like the position, the organization, or the people you'll be spending time around.

Pick hobbies or skills that you'd like to learn.

1. Learning new things can keep you active and engaged. It's also a great way to meet new people and keep retirement life interesting! If you're not sure where to start, check your local community center. They often offer activities, lunches, or trips designed just for seniors. Here are a few other activities you could try:
   • Take an art class
   • Join a chess club
   • Sing in a choir
   • Form a book club

Get your finances in order.

1. Being financially secure means you won't be as stressed. Track your spending before you retire and create a detailed spending plan for once you retire. Knowing that you have enough saved to live comfortably can reduce a lot of stress and anxiety.
   • Work with a financial advisor if you'd like a professional opinion about making a retirement budget. They can really put your mind at ease!

Develop your support network.

1. Socialize with friends, family, and old colleagues to feel connected. Retirement can make you feel lonely, especially if you're used to interacting with a lot of people on a regular basis. Remind yourself that you now have time to meet up with people you care about. To set up a strong support network:
   • Talk with your partner about how retirement might affect your home life.
   • Set up a weekly time to catch up with friends.
   • Make phone calls to connect with loved ones who are far away.

Keep up with changes to technology.

1. Stay up to date with ways to communicate with loved ones. This is especially important if you've got distant friends and family that you may not see very often. If you know the easiest way to reach out to them, you'll be able to stay in touch.
   • Being technology-savvy can also be really useful if you'd like to take online courses or take virtual tours. It's becoming easier to explore the world from the comfort of your home—many museums and galleries offer virtual tours of popular exhibits.

Reflect on the positive things in your life.

1. Take time every day to think of good things that happened. You could mentally run through a list or write them down in a journal at the end of the day. The more often you do this, the better your mind is at finding the good in life. For example, you might think back on:
   • A nice or funny conversation you had with someone.
   • Great food you ate.
   • Something silly or interesting that brought a smile to your face.
   • A thoughtful gesture that someone did for you.

Reach out for professional help if you feel depressed.

1. If you've tried to prepare, but feel overwhelming sadness, talk to a therapist. While some feelings of loss are normal when you retire, don't hesitate to talk to a mental health professional, especially if your quality of life is taking a hit. Your primary care physician can refer you if you're unsure how to to get started.
   • Sometimes, just talking to a mental health professional can help you work through emotional challenges. In other cases, they may recommend starting you on anti-depressants.

References

See also

• Make a Retirement Gift Basket
• Know How Much to Give for a Retirement Gift
• Make a Retirement Scrapbook
• Use Life Insurance in Your Retirement Planning
• Transfer Retirement Funds to a Roth Ira
• Start a Retirement Home in Ontario
• Retire from a Job You Love
• Prepare for Early Retirement
• Prepare for Retirement in Your 20s
• Plan for Long Term Care

Read more ...