Four tips on how to have a happy retirement

4 secrets to having a happy and fulfilling retirement

It can be difficult to adjust to the new routines and challenges that come with the changes that retirement brings. Here are my top four tips for a happy retirement:

1. Nurture positive social relationships

Maintaining good social connections is important all through our lives, but in particular when retirement starts. Many retirees lose the connections gained through work, so it’s important to fill the gap. You could make new friends by joining clubs, or groups, or rekindle and maintain existing friendships. There are a number of benefits to social interaction, including

Recovery from stress.
Reduced anxiety.
Reduced risk of depression.

2. Pamper yourself

It’s the least you deserve after all your hard work in the years before your retirement. It’s important to set aside some time to treat yourself like the kings and queens you really are. Some examples of ways to pamper yourself include:

Book yourself a spa day, a hot stone massage, or a facial.
Head down to the hairdresser or barber for a new style to celebrate your new lease of life.
Use a good-quality electric shaver and give yourself a fresh, clean shave.
Visit to a coffee shop and enjoy a good book, after all, good reading habits are not just for school.

3. Keep active and maintain a healthy diet

We’ve all heard the saying, “healthy body, healthy mind”. You’ll be surprised at the impact that simple exercise and good nutrition can have on your happiness in retirement. Happiness in retirement starts with a well-balanced lifestyle. Benefits include:

Food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality protein can increase long-term happiness.
A high-fibre diet with fresh fruit and vegetables can improve your sleep, and better sleep can improve your mood.
Physical activity increases your levels of endorphins – the so-called “happy hormone”.

Need some ideas to improve your retirement diet? Why not check out my 7 healthy brunch ideas?

4. Pursue your passions.

Retirement is a great time to enjoy your free time and pursue your passions – or even explore new activities and hobbies. For example, you could try some of the following:

Volunteer for a charity or cause that is important to you.
Travel around the world to places you have always wanted to visit.
Take up a new sport.
Take up photography.

There are so many ways to keep your mind and body active and happy, and an endless choice of things to try and fall in love with.

I know that change can be hard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace it and make the most of it. With my guide to a happy retirement, I hope you are able to enjoy every moment of this new stage of life. It really is possible to live your best life through retirement.