Shake up your routine! Tips for a healthy, happy retirement

Officially Retired Tiara Crown by Steven Repolo via Flickr

If you’re retired and find that you don’t always know what to do with your extra time, then keep on reading!

1. Join a club– there are clubs for almost every hobby out there, whether it’s sports, arts and crafts, reading or playing card games. If you’re not sure what to join, start by making a list of the activities you enjoy the most or have always wanted to try but never had time to pursue.
2. Be a foodie– who doesn’t like eating food? Designate a day of the week or month when you try a new restaurant or dish. Researching and planning the trip can be a fun and exciting experience for yourself or for you and your spouse. It’s also a great reason to go somewhere you’ve never been and meet new people.
3. Find a part-time job or volunteer work– this may sound like the exact opposite of why you retired, but having a low-stress, part-time job is a great way to meet new people and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with it. Try choosing a job or volunteer position related to your hobbies and interests to make it even more fun.
4. Go exploring– if traveling to a different country or state isn’t an option, then check out places in your own community or neighboring towns that you’ve never been to before. You can visit museums, parks, concerts, community events, libraries or scenic walking trails. If you live in Maine, visit our Maine places page for the inside scoop on hidden gems around the state. Or, if there aren’t many community events offered in your area and you enjoy event planning, volunteer to organize some!
5. Spend quality time with your family– now that you have more control over your time, make sure to spend some of it with your loved ones. Plan visits with your children, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Most retirees love post-work life, so reaching out to your retired friends for advice on what to do is another great idea. Whatever you choose to do, we hope you spend your retirement years happy, healthy and active! 

Grand parents on the North Pier by Snapshooter46 via Flickr