Combat Loneliness With The Power of Routine in Retirement

Whether you just retired, or it’s on the horizon, the dream of endless free time can turn into loneliness and a feeling of loss. But using the power of routine in retirement will help navigate to a new way of being and a life full of joy and adventure.

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Why Do So Many People Feel Lonely?

With many changes in life some people go through a grieving process. This occurs in retirement, the loss of a loved one, or something you enjoy or is simply part of daily life. And when this happens these changes can bring a loss of direction and a sense of identity. And while some people use their working life as a means to their future, other people’s entire life revolve around their daily work routines.

Now if the latter sounds like you, it may sound scary, but if you are open to grow and find your new way of being you will discover amazing things including, joy, newfound creativity, not top mention the dreams and adventures you most likely pushed aside.

Adjusting to Alone Time

Lets face it most of us work 40 hours a week (almost a third of your weekly waking hours). You likely went through your day on auto pilot giving little thought to doing what you want. Then suddenly your work life is up. And instead of focusing on your retirement to do list you may find yourself asking “What now?”

In truth few of us make plans to retire. Often we assume it will all fall into place. But in reality the change may come as a shock leaving us bewildered and without a clue as to what to do next.

Using Routine in Retirement When Creating a New Life

Alone time is a great thing. It’s a time to get to rediscover who you are, and what you want. But it’s important to know there is a difference between healthy alone time and being lonely. Before loneliness creeps in put a plan together. It can be a simple list of what you enjoy or may like to explore. You can incorporate your list into your new routine.

The one thing that will pull you through as it did in your work day is routine. There is a great power in routine and that it’s that very routine that holds the key to figuring out what to do after retirement.

First off, having a routine doesn’t mean going back to the work schedule you had before that was dictated by the demands of your job. You can adjust wake up time, enjoy time reading, time with your pets or creating a morning self care routine.

Creating a retirement schedule is about ensuring you do the things you want to do that bring meaning to your life. It’s about establishing a sequence of actions that you can regularly follow. Research has shown that having routines and schedules help people thrive and can have far-reaching psychological benefits. Routine keeps you on track to make sure you don’t get stuck and fall into habits that’ll keep you stuck.

The Benefits of Routine in Retirement

Research shows predictable, repetitive routines are calming and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Here are some other benefits of having a schedule:

Start a Routine Right Away

Create a set routine to wake and avoid laying in bed for too long. Take time for you and practice self care. Then complete household chores and projects before heading out for the day and stick with it. This will keep you from wasting physical energy and brain space by just jumping from task to task.

Make Better Choices

It’s estimated that we make up to 35,000 decision a day which can lead to decision fatigue. A routine and plan helps eliminate time wasting, second guessing and even canceling things through the day. Learning to say yes to what you want and also to say no are good habits, and a way to manage life on your terms.

Establishing a set routine can cut down on some of the daily decisions extra energy and brainpower for bigger things.

Create a Sleep Routine

Having a routine and eliminating tasks eases stress. Having a routine and knowing what to expect the following day  frees your mind to relax and enjoy what the day brings. Quality sleep not only improves health but allows you to be in optimal shape for the following day.

If your like to keep tabs on social media or your favorite show, be sure to turn off your electronic devices an hour before bed. Instead, enjoy some light reading, write in a journal or practice a simple meditation for a few minutes. Turn your bedroom into an uncluttered place of peace, a place to unwind so you can get to sleep on time and wake up feeling refreshed.

Explore and Do More of What You Love

Incorporate the power of routine will give you time to enjoy activities you dreamed of doing like volunteering, gardening or spending time with family and friends. Try new creative endeavors like painting, writing a book, pottery or starting a blog to share your life, interest or adventures in retirement.

Integrate a Sense of Purpose In Your Retirement Life

For many people, their job became their identity. Work is part of what you do, but it isn’t who you are. You are so much that the job you did. You have dreams, ideas and goals you likely pushed aside while working. Now it’s time to discover who are you?

Besides hobbies, many people want to discover their passion, long to discover who they are, and start their journey of self discovery.

If you feel you no longer know who you are take a fun and easy personality test to rekindle who you are.

A retirement routine with goals you work toward will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you feel like you’re making the most of your retirement.

Power of Routine to Stay Well in Retirement

If you haven’t had time for you, its time to join some fun classes, try tai chi, fitness classes, join walking groups. Use the power of routine in retirement to work by incorporating regular exercise. If they are scheduled on the odds will increase that you will go. Exercise is a confidence booster and a great way to meet others. Fun fitness will help keep you active, healthy and improve your mood. Take a daily walk or a fitness class. Join a pickleball, belly dance, do what ever makes your heart light up. This is your time. 

Get Social, Get Out and Meet New People

 It can be challenging to build new connections after work life. So it’s important to create a routine in retirement   that includes regular social activities that will help you create new connections. Consider joining a book club, taking a class, or volunteering in your community.

How to Create and Stick to a Retirement Routine

Once you’ve built your retirement schedule, how do you stick to it?

Start Small and Introduce More of What You Enjoy

If you’re feeling overwhelmed start small and adjust your routine to suit your day. Focus on one habit or activity like walking every morning. Maybe you prefer a yoga class or if you’re not a morning person make it your time to read, garden or whatever you like. Setting small, achievable goals can help build momentum and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.

Reflect and Adjust Routine

As you create your retirement routine, take time to reflect on what’s working well and what’s not. It’s okay to adjust your routine to suit how you want to spend your time. If an activity or habit isn’t bringing you joy or fulfillment, stop doing it. Always be on the lookout for new ways to stay active and engaged.

Consistency Over Perfection

Don’t worry about missing a day or slipping up on a habit. Instead, focus on being consistent with your routine over the long term.

Staying Fulfilled and Beating Loneliness

Yes, establishing a routine can feel like work, but pursuing your passions will beat loneliness as you fill your time in retirement with what you love. Create a routine and get into life as soon as possible. There is no time like the present, so get into like fitness classes, learn to sing, plan some adventures, join happy hours, volunteer with interest groups, and lifelong learning opportunities. This is your time, seize it today!