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Coping With Retirement Without All The Stress

Geeta Dhavale
Retirement is quite a life-changing event for many workaholics. It changes the way you will lead your life after you retire. But, it doesn't mean that one has to feel useless and worthless. There are many things a retired person can do to make this phase of life a memorable one.
Let's begin with a mischievous, yet very relevant, quote on retirement by Gene Perret. It says, "Retirement: It's nice to get out of the rat race, but you have to learn to get along with less cheese." This thoughtful quote describes the aspects of retirement very clearly.
Many people who are about to retire are mainly concerned about the reduced income and look at it as a challenge to spend time without spending money. Apart from this, many people associate their self worth and status to their job and after retiring they lose the very sense of self-esteem and self-worth.
But, even the smallest of change in their perspective or attitude can change the life of retirees into their dream life, one they always wished for. So, if you are also a retiree or someone who is about to retire in few days then you have come to the right place. Let us help you make your 'second innings' much more interesting and blissful.

Dealing With Retirement

The biggest problem retirees face is utilizing their plentiful free time. It is something they always dreamed of and wished for while on the job. But now, with so much of free time on their hands, they do not know what to do or how to use it constructively. Well, by constructively, we do not mean 'productively', though we live in a 'capitalistic' society.
But constructively means doing something that makes you happy and feel good about yourself. It may or may not make any difference to others. Remember that you are not only retiring from the job but also from the stress, tensions, deadlines, targets, and an alarm clock. Isn't it nice to wake up and find out that you do not have to go to office?
In case of forced retirement, job loss, or an early retirement due to illness, the feeling of worthlessness is more and coping in such situations is extremely challenging. But otherwise, no doubt, retirement is fun, if you develop the right attitude to realize this fact.
Well, there isn't much to tell you about the financial matters when it comes to retirement. It is important to make financial arrangements in advance to enjoy a stress-free and wholesome life after you retire.
The arrangement could involve your pension, savings, investments, or some business, etc., that guarantees a fixed income every month.
It is also important to make your will if you have a property to distribute. You can also consult a professional who can wisely manage your finances, so that you do not have to worry about income and do not have to depend on someone. Now let's take a look at few more tips that would allow you to enjoy your retirement thoroughly.

How to Cope With Retirement?

There are many things you can do after retirement that would help you not only 'spend' time, but to enjoy it, too. Given here are some tips and ideas that would help you spend your time 'constructively'.
It is important to have a routine even when you do not have to go to the office. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time everyday.
Exercise everyday. You always cribbed that you couldn't go to the gym because of office hours. Now is the time. Take a walk, go cycling or swimming, do some yoga, or any exercise form. Apart from staying fit and healthy, it also helps you kill time.
How about going for a long vacation which you planned so many times but could never go for because of work holding you back.
Now, this is a golden opportunity for you to see different places and enjoy a relaxing time.
Indulge in hobbies that you never had time for when you were working. If not, you can join some classes, say, painting, repairing instruments, cooking, or whatever art you always wanted to accomplish or learn.
You have a lot of time to socialize with your friends now. Some of your friends also might be retiring at the same time as you. So why not meet them over a brunch everyday or play outdoor sports and games together.
Spending time with family is something you have missed out on while working. Spend time with your spouse and involve him or her in your hobbies and activities. Spend time with your children and grandchildren who are sure to bring a smile on your face.
Meet your colleagues and friends from your workplace who are still working in the same office. Schedule an occasional lunch or dinner with them and try to know what is happening in the office. Ask them if they need any help or advice in any of the office tasks.
Most important thing to do after retirement is do things on your own, like, cleaning the room, operating home appliances, organizing your own room, etc. This will not only pass the time, but also reduce the burden on other working family members.
You can volunteer in church for some hours or work with NGOs that need help of many volunteers. Giving back to society would actually make you feel worthy and present you with a sense of contribution to the community.
Another thing you must remember is to plan your day in advance, so what if you are not working, you can still lead an organized life. So schedule your days and weeks right in advance and decide how you would like to spend the day.
With these simple tips and ideas, dealing with retirement is actually not only less stressful, you can also live your life to the fullest. As someone rightly said, life begins at retirement. So, be happy that you have got a chance to live another life that too with an official permission to do nothing!