Most people look forward to retirement. They no longer have to be slaves to an alarm clock, and they don’t have to deal with incompetent people each day. Their time is their own, and they can come and go as they please.
This euphoria tends to last a couple of months and then boredom sets in. There is only so much of nothing people can do. Retirees should consider employing time management skills into their lives. This can give them a purpose, and have something to look forward to every day.
The great news is if they find something they don’t like to do, they can move onto something different. But, retirees should set up goals for what they want to accomplish. This will prevent them from bouncing from one activity to another, with little to show for any activity. By setting up goals, and by extension using time management to accomplish the goals, they will live a more satisfying life during their retirement.
If you are a retiree yourself, consider working with a family member when coming up with your time management plan. You can do this by yourself, but you want to have some accountability in the process. Write down your process, and agree to review it with family members at set periods. An even better idea is to come up with milestones. Have a discussion with your family members whenever you reach these milestones.
It’s widely believed that people who are active during retirement live more fulfilling lives. Some studies point to people who are active will have less chance of dementia or other debilitating ailments.
Some activities that retirees may want to consider are volunteering, community events, and even part-time work. These can be great ways to contribute while staying active. Other activities can include helping family members with raising their children, or helping on home improvement projects, etc.
People in retirement can also reach out to neighbors to see if there is anything they need help with. Unless they live in retirement communities, many neighbors may still be working full time. Retirees can step in and perform tasks that neighbors cannot get done due to being away during working hours.
Exercise should always be part of any time management for retirees. It doesn’t have to be strenuous, but it should be activities that incorporate the whole body. It’s easy for retirees to become complacent in this area.
– Scott Blessing