What Good Is Retirement If You Don't Enjoy It?

We spend a big portion of our lives dreaming about and planning our retirement. It’s exciting knowing that we'll be able to do what we want when we want it. Having that kind of freedom sounds much better than running between meetings or working overtime to meet deadlines.

 

But is retirement all it’s cut out to be?

 

Keep reading to find out about retirement: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

 

Retirement Statistics

 

According to studies from the National Center for Health Statistics, the average 65-year old can expect to live until they’re almost 84. That’s 6 and a half years longer than it was back in 1940!

 

This is one reason why more people are going back to work during their retirement. In fact, seven out of 10 people view working while they’re retired as a good thing. Based on a study carried out by Bankrate. 38% percent of those who participated in the study say they chose to go back to work during their retirement.

 

So, if retirees are expected to live longer, why are they unhappy? That takes us to the 35% who say they have to stay working because they need the money. The final 27% are those who enjoy the work, at the same, they still rely on that extra bit of income.

 

Ready for another sobering statistic? Over 47% of people already in retirement are worried they may outlive their retirement savings.

 

Retirement: Truths vs. Reality

 

Many of us imagine our retirement to be traveling around the world or going on a cruise. Others see themselves learning new hobbies or picking up old ones. Some people just want to enjoy their kids and grandkids while they’re still healthy enough to be able to.

 

The truth is retirement becomes a period of lack of purpose and loneliness. For many people, it slowly feels like you’re disconnected from life as you know it.

 

This tends to lead to anxiety, stress, and obesity. Other symptoms many retirees suffer from are obesity and high blood pressure. This is a direct result of leading a sedentary lifestyle. Watching too much TV and not eating the right types of food results in chronic diseases, and it only snowballs from there.

 

Also, those who retire tend to use less and less of their cognitive skills. This can lead to a decline in focus and concentration, which can eventually lead to dementia.

 

The Institute of Economic Affairs has a study on retirees who suffer from clinical depression after retiring. Their study found that the risk goes up to about nearly 40% after retiring.

 

This comes as a direct result of losing the structure and schedule of having a steady job. Part of it is also missing out on the intellectual and social stimulus that work brings.

 

It’s understandable. Once retired, you give up the daily social interactions you’ve been used to for years. You also give up your steady routine, which you used to hate, but, suddenly, you miss more than ever.

 

Retirement is similar to the grieving process people go through when they lose a loved one. You have to take it step-by-step and give yourself time to adjust and recalibrate.

 

Show Me The Money

 

Investment companies make a big hype of telling us that the key to a successful life is saving up enough money so you can eventually quit working. It’s not very goal-oriented, but it’s how a large number of people feel about their work before retirement and after.

 

It somehow paints this image in your head that retirement is the end of life as we know it. After you reach that milestone, sit back and live out your remaining years in slow decline.

 

That could be what our parents’ generation decided to do with their retirement years. However, many of us today want something that adds purpose to our lives.

 

Plus, it’s good to find a part-time job somewhere or work as a consultant. This keeps your mind sharp, which is something we’re constantly in need of no matter how old we are. Having that option also allows you to meet new people and learn new things.

 

The Big Picture

 

The ones I like the most are those who’re looking at the big picture. They know they’ve spent many years in the workforce. They also know it’s only fair to give the younger generation a chance, just as older generations did before them.

 

At the same time, they’re not wilting away at home, feeling victimized. They’re out looking for jobs that fit into their new chapter of life. It could be full-time, part-time, non-profit volunteer work—it’s up to you!

 

They’re also out there learning new things and meeting new people. Research shows that socially active retirees enjoy better physical and emotional health.

 

That’s the beauty of retirement. Being retired doesn’t mean you’ve become a statistic or fallen victim to old age. It means the path has slightly shifted to a new purpose. The best part is you’ve reached that point in your life where you get to set all rules.

 

Sure, you can put your feet up. You’ve earned it!

 

But you should also keep yourself in good shape, both mentally and physically. Here are a few ideas you can try to stay happy and healthy during your retirement.

• Volunteer at local shelters, soup kitchens, or any non-profit organization

• Take a class to keep your mind sharp and meet new people with similar interests

• Go on regular walks or join a gym

• Practice yoga, meditation, or tai chi

• Set up a daily routine and stick to it

 

Being Active In Senior Years

 

Depending on age and general health, there are various ways one can stay healthy and energetic. 

Choose Your Favorite Activity

Instead of opting for an exercise routine that you are not very familiar with, choose your favorite sport or activity that helps you move more. This makes 'being active' fun and easy.

 

Good Options Include

• Walking

• Cycling

• Swimming

• Gardening

• Weight Training: This helps you gain muscle mass which is lost as part of aging process. 

 

Remember to always ask your doctor before starting any exercise program

Tracking Progress

 

Note your progress in a dairy. This will help you track your progress and make necessary changes to your physical routine accordingly.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

 

Clothes you wear while exercising should provide enough ventilation and flexibility to move freely. Also wear appropriate shoes and other safety gear to have a good exercising experience. 

Drink an adequate amount of water to avoid dehydration.

Water prevents dehydration and improves performance. Water is also crucial for the body to function well as you exercise.

 

Seniors Who Have Had A Little Or No Experience Of Being Active

 

Better late than never! Even if you have never exercised, or have completely stopped exercising, you can always start now. Even by performing simple exercises such as a brisk walk early morning, you can develop muscle mass and help strengthen your bones. 

 

Advantages Of Being An Active Senior Adult: 

 

• Science proves that being active in old-age, can help prevent (or at least delay) disease and disability.

• Regular physical activities also help improve metabolism, blood circulation and immune system health. 

• Studies show that senior adults who are active are less prone to develop stress and are often in good mood. This in turn can help lower risks of depression.

 

Getting regular physical activity helps keep you young, energized and physically fit. As a result you can enjoy retirement that much more! 

 

A Final Note

 

Once you decide it’s time to retire, take a step back, and be proud of all you’ve accomplished. You’re wiser, more experienced, and certainly, tougher than you were a couple of decades ago.

 

Retirement is like the pot at the end of the rainbow. We have our hearts set on it. Then, once we get to it, we’re so baffled by it, we don’t know what we’re supposed to do with it!

 

So, make a list of everything you’d like to accomplish in your golden years to make your retirement more enjoyable. Then, get out there and start ticking things off that list!

 

5 Ways To Stop Being Shy

Are you shy? Does the thought of speaking in a group have you making up excuses? Or are you afraid of having a conversation with a new friend? Shyness is surprisingly very common. Survey results report that about 40 to 60 percent of all adults identify as someone shy. However, like all character traits, shyness can be overcome with the proper steps.

 

1. Identify Your Triggers

 

Nobody is shy all of the time. The odds are that there are situations where you feel relaxed and comfortable. Identify what makes you shy. It can be speaking in public, asking a lady out, or simply being alone in a crowded space. When you identify the triggers for your shyness, you can plan a course of action for when such situations arise. You will also plan on ways to overcome them.

 

These triggers can be especially hard to identify in most cases. It might be a smell, a location, or even a sound. However, it is crucial to do so as it is the first step to overcoming your shyness.

 

2. Be Informed

 

If you dread speaking to a crowd or having small talks, you can increase your odds of not turning such an experience into a social disaster when you read about the topic. If you are shy of being at a party because you fear you'll be the odd thumb, you could read on current happenings, watch a trending video, or research on a recent event. This way, you are well informed about an issue and can chip into discussions or start one yourself. 

 

If you're shy, it's likely to get even worse when everyone is talking about an event you are unfamiliar with. Staying up to date with events would help boost your confidence in social situations as you can engage with people and enlighten anyone who isn't in the know.

 

3. Set Goals

 

While you want to be like the super confident kid who seamlessly navigates the social setting and seems to make a new friend every time they step out of their house, it'll be more helpful if you aim a bit lower at first. 

 

You can begin by finding out your trigger and creating an action plan to overcome it. If you are shy when called to speak in public, you could start by addressing five of your friends and slowly increase the number until you overcome that trait. Create simple goals and work your way to the top.

 

4. Record Your Successes

 

It's a good idea to keep track of the successes you've made in overcoming shyness and frequently read it when you feel you can't achieve a set milestone.

 

Odds are that you will be surprised by how far you've come, which will further increase your belief that overcoming shyness is possible. Psychologists state that reading how far you have progressed is a great way to stay motivated and keep trying. 

 

5. Be Kind To Yourself And Take It Slow

 

You wouldn't suddenly get rid of shyness and become super confident after a few days of practicing these steps. No one gets rid of shyness overnight. As long as you're taking steps to become better, you should reward yourself. 

 

Take as long as you need to get rid of shyness, and do not try to rush yourself. Rushing the steps or beating yourself over being "slow" will only delay the process and can make you stop trying. 

 

In summary, shy people tend to spend a lot of time "inside their own heads," and it is easy to distort experiences. You might assume that your shyness not only stopped you from having a good time but ruined the event for everyone else. The chances of that being true is extremely slim. Don't beat yourself up over it and take as long as you need to overcome it. With consistency and determination, you'll get rid of it in no time.

 

6 Tips For A Joyful Retirement

Retirement blesses us with time to do what we truly desire. We’re free to follow our hearts true desire and find joy while doing so. However, finding joy in retirement goes beyond finding a beach house to recline or having more free time than you know what to do with it. Here are 6 important tips for a joyful retirement.

 

1. Cut Spending By Budgeting

 

A lot has been said concerning money and happiness. While money doesn’t equate to happiness, its one vital component for a joyful retirement. A study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College on what makes retirees happy reaffirms the importance of money. 

 

Most people go on a spending spree the minute they get their retirement money and then end up without a penny few months later. You need to budget your money and spend wisely as there wouldn’t be any monthly pay checks anymore. 

 

2. Maintain a Daily Routine

 

Indeed, one of retirement’s most enticing benefits is the freedom to do whatever you desire. However, it’s easy to fall into an unhealthy pattern which might be detrimental to your health. To prevent this, doctors recommend following a healthy daily routine. 

 

Incorporate all the activities you love into the routine as well as other healthy activities recommended by your doctor. Doing this would help you avoid the feeling of purposelessness most retirees admit to feeling few months into retirement.

 

3. Stay in Touch

 

A study by the University of Chicago showed that extreme loneliness increases a retiree’s chances of early death by as much as 14%. Being retired takes you out of the majority of your social networks and cuts down on the amount of human connection we make daily. 

 

Extra effort should be put into staying in touch with a thriving social community as the effects of extreme loneliness can be deadly. This can be your family, former colleagues, Faith groups, group affiliations, or by community volunteering.

 

4. Stay Active

 

Very different from staying in touch, staying active entails playing a role. It can be in the family, your house of faith or the community. Staying active offers a twofold benefit as it helps you socialize and gives you a sense of purpose. Doctors say both are vital to the happiness and well-being of a retiree.

 

5. Stay Fit By Exercising 

 

While exercise is important at all periods in our lives, it’s even more necessary when you’re retired. Exercising the body is important to both your physical and mental well-being. Research has shown that frequent exercise helps wards off several health issues and boosts your energy levels. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends four types of exercise for retirees.

 

6. Train Your Brain

 

Most people go into retirement thankful for the endless hours of free time they’ll have and anticipating just how they’ll spend those hours. Most might decide to pursue an abandoned hobby, read books, or learn new things. 

 

These lofty aspirations most times get abandoned a few months into retirement. However, researchers at the Harvard Medical School have proven several times that tasking your brain has unending benefits. It keeps your memory strong and keeps your brain functioning at high levels.

 

This can be reading a book, painting, doing puzzles, or learning a new skill. Asides the apparent benefit of tasking your brain, the joy and sense of progress when you chase these pursuits has its own benefits. 

 

You could join a community or group that shares similar passions and enjoy create new social connections. A group has the added advantage of pushing you past your comfort zone which is great for stimulating the brain.

 

It’s possible to have a joyful retirement. All it requires is some effort to continually do the right thing. When you make these correct lifestyle choices, you’ll be set to enjoy a joyful retirement filled with happiness and purpose.

 

Finding Time Just For You

How often have you considered doing something you'd like to do but realized you don't have time for it? How often does a week pass by and you did not have a minute to yourself? Not even a minute to do anything you might want to do just for yourself. It’s a typical scenario these days. 

 

The problem is that not making time for you can lead to chronic stress and depression. While you may be busy, and your to-do lists are probably overwhelming, you must make yourself a priority. 

 

Kids, job, chores, stress, Covid, bills to pay, cooking, cleaning and everything else we have to do is a lot. But, without self-care, we will burnout quickly and then what happens to all those responsibilities? When you neglect your own needs and mental health, everything in your life suffers. 

 

Meetings, deadlines, chores and appointments are all crammed onto your calendar. But, more likely than not, there isn't a single mention about time for yourself in there. Everyone needs personal time. Time to unwind. Time to breathe. Time to have fun and experience joy. Time to explore hobbies and interests. 

 

Finding time to focus on self-care may be challenging, especially when job and family life are demanding but this is something we must do, even if it is only 30 minutes here and there. 

 

5 Ways To Get Some You Time

 

1. Prioritize

 

Prioritize, first and foremost. A well-organized plan will put your mind at ease and lead to a more productive week. Scheduling time ahead may be an excellent method to guarantee you don't scrimp on that all-important self-care time. You can also see where you can squeeze it in (which can help ensure you take it). In any case, prioritize what's vital and learn to say no or delegate, as discussed further below.

 

2. Say No (It's All Right, We Promise)

 

It is quite acceptable to say no. Your time is very valuable, and it should be spent on activities that provide meaning to your life. It's okay if you don't want to go to that lunch with the other moms. It's what you really need is some alone time. It's also okay if a friend has requested you help them with their move or something else, if it will have a negative impact on you, you can say no.

 

3. Switch It Off

 

Take a break from your phone and computer. How many times do you get an afternoon to yourself, only to waste it replying to e-mails or reading Instagram? Social media has its advantages, but it can also entice us to spend an hour looking at useless memes. Limiting distractions is the first step in finding time for yourself. 

 

4. Timely Departure From Work

 

When you need some alone time, this is one of the easiest things you can do. Many of us remain late at work. If this is the case for you, make it a point to leave work on time or if at all possible, a little early at least once a week, if not more often. Then take advantage of that time by engaging in your favorite pastime, getting a massage, meditating, spending time with a friend you don't see very often or doing anything that helps you relax.

 

5. Learn To Delegate

 

According to VeryWellMind, "Are there responsibilities that you have at home or at work that could be delegated to assistants, family members, or others? Some possible ways to delegate include: Allowing someone else to take over a task can bring added benefits. They may find that they're better at it than they thought they would be (or than you thought they would be). They may also enjoy the feeling of helping out. At the very least, it could bring a sense of teamwork."

 

5 Ways To Improve Your Connection To Yourself

No doubt you’ve read dozens of articles on how to develop healthy relationships with other people. Yet, we don’t see many that talk about how to work at improving your connection to yourself.

 

The irony is that no other relationship is as vital to your health as the one you have with yourself. You may not be aware of it, but this relationship dictates everything in your life. It shapes the way you manage relationships, deal with colleagues, and even how you sleep at night.

 

Today, we’re going to reveal how improving your connection to yourself can make you a happier and more fulfilled individual.

 

Let’s dive in.

 

5 Ways to Improve Your Connection to Yourself

 

So, how do you go about improving your connection to yourself?

 

Well, you begin by taking your beliefs, feelings, and goals seriously. Then, you have to realize that your imperfections and strengths are two sides of the same coin. They coexist to make up the person you are today.

 

It’s important to remember that no one in the world knows what it’s like to be you. This is why you have to be your own best friend. Learn to show yourself empathy and self-compassion.

 

To boost your self-worth, start with these five techniques.

 

1. Understand Your Likes and Dislikes

 

Knowing what you like and don’t like is the definition of self-acceptance. It also means that you don’t change the way you live or the way you do certain things to please other people. Allow yourself to be truly seen for who you are—good and bad.

 

That can be hard at times. Our society conditions us to live by other people’s rules is the only way to fit in and be accepted.

 

Realizing that we’re all different means accepting your individuality. Understanding your likes and dislikes is a big part of that.

 

Once you know those, then you can do more of what makes you happy.

 

2. Be Kind

 

We can be our own worst enemies. We constantly criticize, prick, and prod at our imperfections without mercy.

 

Our weight usually tops the list. But there are other things we obsess over as well, like the shape of our nose or the bags under our eyes.

 

Why not try something different for a change? The next time you look in the mirror, find one thing you appreciate about yourself. Praise yourself and show gratitude for them.

We’re not saying this will be easy. In fact, you may not even think of anything, in the beginning, to be thankful for.

 

Don’t be surprised, you’re not alone. Almost nine times out of ten, your eye will automatically fall on the features you don’t like about yourself.

 

But don’t worry. With daily practice, you’ll be able to make a list of all those things that make you beautiful and unique.

 

What about those other things you don’t like? Learn to accept them. They’re still part of what makes you the special and unique person you are.

 

3. Listen to Yourself

 

When something feels off, pay attention to what your gut is telling you. Even if it’s difficult, uncomfortable, or goes against what others are telling you.

 

Let yourself feel and get comfortable with your emotions and beliefs. When you listen to what your body and gut are telling you, you’ll feel inner peace and a sense of belonging.

After a while, you’ll get better at understanding your body’s cues and signals. Only then can you start improving your connection to yourself.

 

4. Establish Good Habits

 

Setting up healthy habits is a sure way to improve your relationship with yourself. Start from when you first wake up in the morning all the way to when you go to sleep.

Some of these habits include:

 

• Journaling
• Write down positive affirmations
• Exercise regularly
• Actively plan healthy, well-balanced meals
• Practice mindful meditation
• Smile more often

 

5. Cultivate Encouraging Behavior

 

Many of us have an all-or-nothing attitude. We decide to do something then as soon as we start to fall back, we call it quits!

 

Perfectionism actually leads to depression. It gets you in this vicious cycle of self-blame and negativity, which can lead you to a dark, lonely place.

 

To avoid this toxic cycle, begin by accepting you’re not perfect. You will mess up and your day won’t always go the way you planned it. That’s okay.

 

Let’s say you set up a goal of going to the gym five times a week for an hour. The first week goes as you planned, but the second week, you miss a day (or two!)

 

You can do one of two things: call the whole thing off or you can pick up where you left off. If, by week three, you feel that five days is too much, tone it down a bit. Maybe go for half an hour instead of a full 60 minutes.

 

This doesn’t have to just apply to exercise. It can also apply to your diet, sleep, and work goals. Show yourself some love and encouragement and do the work. Everything else will follow through.

 

Conclusion

 

Having good self-esteem strengthens your sense of self. It’s one of the best ways to develop a healthy relationship with yourself and, ultimately, with others. Each of the five techniques aims at improving your connection to yourself. That should be your number one priority.

 

By practicing them daily, they can boost our self-confidence and help us stay grounded. As a result, we’re able to form a strong, well-balanced connection to ourselves. Only then can we start living in alignment with who we truly are.

 

Why Self-Confidence Matters

It often seems that confidence is elusive, like a smoky mirage. Sometimes, it feels magical and wonderful; other times it can be frustrating.

 

But I’ll let you in on a little secret: you can build up your self-confidence without having to resort to any crystal. ‘How?’ you ask.

 

It’s simple.

 

Start by recognizing that confidence is a skill you can learn. You set a goal and take small steps each day to work towards it.

 

Keep reading to find out more about self-confidence and why it matters.

 

What Is Self-Confidence?

 

Self-confidence isn’t tangible. You can’t touch it and say, “This is confidence.”

 

It’s something we get a feeling for when we, or others, have it.

 

Likewise, we can recognize when someone lacks it. Even when they try to attempt to compensate for it, we sense it and feel bad for them.

 

The good news is that self-confidence is a soft skill, which means you can learn it and apply it to your daily life. It’s not fixed, like your height for example. It’s mainly based on your mindset and the actions you do to follow through.

 

You can boost your confidence and self-esteem by trusting your abilities. Seeing yourself succeed in your mind is the first step in making better decisions. Then, when your decisions make your life better, your confidence gets a nice little boost. And round and round it goes.

 

Bear in mind that confidence is infectious. Even though we can’t see it, we still sense other people’s confidence levels in the way they behave and speak.

 

When someone is confident, they exude excitement and energy. You’re motivated to work hard and feel that same energy.

 

The downside is it goes both ways. When one person lacks confidence, it can deflate everyone around them. They just get the sense that there’s no point in trying.

 

Why Does Self-Confidence Matter?

 

There are different reasons why being confident can improve your life. Below, you’ll find a few examples of how it can make you a happier, more fulfilled individual.

 

Allows You to Take Positive Risks

 

We all need confidence to bring balance and a sense of direction in our lives. Making a conscious decision to develop your confidence will allow you to take positive risks. It gets you out of your comfort zone and puts you on the path to success.

 

The trick is understanding your own strength. You have to believe that you can master whatever skill you’re striving towards. Yes, it’ll be weird and difficult in the beginning. Yes, you’ll make mistakes along the way. So what?

 

That’s what life is about. This is what boosts your self-esteem and makes you better at everything you do.

 

Empowers You to Embrace Your Failures

 

We all make mistakes. We all fail and meet obstacles in our lives.

 

The key is to understand that failures are a necessary part of progress. Read that again and really take it in.

 

Often, we feel that when we fail, it’s the end of the journey. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

 

To fully embrace your failures, you have to think of them as detours. When you’re forced to change lanes or take a detour that doesn’t mean the entire journey is over. It just means you’re taking a different path, but you’ll get there eventually.

 

Now, why do some people succeed after failing and others don’t? Those who manage to learn from their mistakes. They go over what went wrong and find a way to fix it.

 

In other words, they use their failures to their advantage. They use them to prop them up and give them the push they need to keep going on their path.

 

Let's take a second to think about Thomas Edison and Michael Jordan. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of these two names? Success? Fame? Glory? All of the above?

 

How about failure? You’re probably saying to yourself, ‘These are two of the most prominent members of society. They haven’t failed.’

 

Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but they have—many times, in fact. Yet, they’re smart enough to use their failures as stepping stones to aim higher and work harder. Imagine our much our lives would have been impacted if these two men had given up every time they failed!

 

One of Edison’s quotes about refining the light bulb is, “I haven’t failed. I’ve found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

 

Enables You To Trust Yourself

 

Many times, we can be our own worst enemies. We critique every move, every word, and every thought over and over again.

 

In moderation, it can be a great incentive to do better. Although, this only works if we treat ourselves with the same kindness and empathy, we show others. Sadly, it doesn’t happen very often.

 

The best way to break out of that negative self-talk is to have faith in yourself. Have faith in your decisions. Even if you made mistakes in the past, that doesn’t necessitate future failures.

 

Own up to your bad decision, embrace it, and move on. That’s now part of your DNA; it’s helping shape a stronger, more resilient person.

 

Imagine it being part of your arsenal or a superpower. Now, you’ve turned your mistake into something that can make you more resilient and less anxious.

 

A Final Note

 

Self-confidence is an integral part of who you are. Understanding why it matters can mean the difference being happy and being miserable.

 

Having that self-assurance can help boost your relationships and career. You’ll also be able to inspire others to become happier, more fulfilled individuals.