We dream of retirement being filled with relaxing, hobbies, playing, traveling and spending time with family and friends. We plan for it to finally be a time in our life where we live with less stress.
The Big Retirement Stressors
Sometimes our stress is not alleviated in our retirement years. There’s a couple of critical causes of stress during retirement which are health and financial concerns. Some retirees will experience less stress than when they were working however it depends on each person and how they process and handle stressors in life.
There are automatic stresses that come with a health issue which can include financial burdens. These concerns can cause pressure at any time during life and even more so once an individual has retired.
Sometimes a person has to retire because of physical or mental health issues. There are other times where a career is ended because of downsizing, layoffs, company cut-backs or being fired. These circumstances immediately cause a less care-free and dreamed about retirement.
Tips for lowering stress in life include:
- Hold onto an attitude of gratitude
- Embrace people around you for who they are
- Take time for caring for yourself and being able to rejuvenate
- Be kind to others
- Be social, stay connected
- Go for walks
Dealing with and managing stress is vital to your well-being. Stress increases the chances of serious medical problems.
Managing Stress During Retirement
As financial worries happen, some retirees worry about the future and how they are going to care for their families or even themselves. When this situation arises, each person must do their best to have a positive outlook and an attitude of gratitude. If ends are at least meeting, know that you can live on that and make it even though it is not as much as you’d like. If ends are not meeting, seek organizations to help your ends meet, keep medicine prescriptions filled and food on the table.
Sometimes it is necessary to simplify life more than anyone ever dreamed. This can include downsizing and changing the lifestyle a person was accustomed to living. This needs to be accomplished with a positive outlook as it can be easier to help ends meet. Sometimes a part-time job can be added too.
Our health changes as we age and medical concerns can impact our mood as well as our budget. Some of the best things to do include eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well and taking preventive care seriously. Attitude is again essential, and we have to be grateful for the health we currently have and do our best to maintain it and improve it.
Often retirees are put in a position of becoming a caregiver either of a spouse, parent or another family member. Caregiving takes a lot of energy and is stressful. This is a type of stress that builds up year after year and can affect the health and finances of the retired person. Realizing it is okay to ask for help can reduce stress. Relationship issues can creep in during retirement. Sometimes some unresolved issues and differences have never been discussed. Often a retiree will experience loneliness after leaving their career. Accepting your spouse for who they are can reduce stress.
Choose to forgive and enjoy the time you have to take care of this special relationship.
Embrace Retirement
Even if you’re experiencing more stress than anticipated during retirement, look for ways to find joy in your life. Maybe it is friends, the community, recreational activities, hobbies, friends or family. Whatever it is, embrace it during your retirement.
Enjoy your children and grandchildren. Be supportive and helpful. Embrace each moment you get to spend together.
Make time for real activities and more than tv, movies, and media. Embrace life by spending it with those who are special to you and let them know how you feel about them!
