Recently I’ve seen an influx of clients who are experiencing a life transition so many of us dream about—they are retiring! Many of us long for the days when we don’t have to answer to anyone. We can travel, play golf, spend more time with loved ones, and take up a new hobby. The possibilities are endless in retirement!
However, I’ve recently realized there is a downfall to all that free time. Imagine living your life for 50, 60, 70 years with consistency and structure…then one day it all goes away. It may be great for a few weeks, but eventually reality sets in. Many retirees I meet are depressed and are struggling to find purpose.
Purpose is so important. It’s common in our society to find your identity in what you DO. Whether you were climbing the corporate ladder, the content being a worker-bee, or even had a career as a stay-at-home parent….the loss of your job and purpose can be hard. Not only do you lose a consistent schedule, but you also lose constant social interaction. It’s not unusual to experience the stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression….and eventually acceptance) when you stop working. It’s also not uncommon to wonder “Who am I now?”
If you find yourself struggling to transition to retirement, here are some tips to help make the change a little easier:
1. Give yourself grace
It’s going to take some time to get used to this new “normal”. Don’t stress out or beat yourself up if you find yourself wandering around the house, trying to stay busy. Recognize this big change and allow yourself to grieve as needed.
2. Find a new hobby
If you’ve always wanted to pick up woodworking, sewing, horseback riding, hiking, camping, etc. then do it! It’s ok to try new things. And it’s actually kind of fun!
3. Volunteer
There’s no greater gift than the gift of your time. Find a charity or cause you are passionate about and join in. Get involved in church, mentor a young person, serve meals, help build a house. Give back to others and be a blessing.
4. Don’t isolate
It’s really easy to just stay at home all day. This is okay to do occasionally, but it’s a slippery slope to depression. Make sure you are making plans with friends and family and staying engaged.
5. Keep a schedule
Some people really, really thrive with schedules and structure. If you are one of these individuals, make sure you still get up at a decent time, eat meals around the same time, and go to bed around the same time. Keep a calendar and be aware of the date. Schedule consistent plans each week, so you have things to look forward to.
What are some other ways you can make the transition to retirement easier?
Written by Christy Fogg, MSW, LCSW
*Christy Fogg, MSW, LCSW is a licensed therapist at Journey to Joy Counseling. Christy enjoys doing marriage/couples counseling, individual counseling, premarital counseling. She also provides family counseling, teen and adolescent counseling.
Journey to Joy Counseling serves the Indianapolis area, including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Westfield.
