Change may be an inevitable part of life, but it can still be challenging to manage. Many of the changes you’ll face in life after retirement will be welcome shifts in pace—like having more time to spend with your growing grandchildren or finally pursuing a hobby you’ve always been curious about. But you may also face other changes, like health issues that cause stress and uncertainty over how you’ll be cared for as you age.
Regardless of what life throws your way, one thing’s for sure: You deserve to enjoy your retirement. By adopting some of these tips and methods for handling the changes in your life, you’ll feel more confident and prepared to tackle life’s challenges.
Here are a few strategies to keep in mind.
Maintain Perspective
Often, a big change can feel like the end of your world as you know it, but as life experience has proven, that’s rarely the case. Taking a moment to pause and reflect on how whatever you’re going through fits into the big picture can give you a much-needed perspective shift.
Talk It Out
If you find yourself struggling with changes in your life, talking it out with a trusted friend can be a great way to work through your emotions. Simply getting everything out in the open can help you feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.
Find the Good
No matter what kind of change you’re dealing with, you can probably still find a silver lining. For instance, if you’re struggling with downsizing to a smaller living space, focus on its proximity to delicious restaurants you can try, or take comfort in how much easier it will be to maintain. Finding the positive in every situation is a great way to adjust your attitude in small, meaningful ways.
Get Proactive
If you’re dealing with a change that makes you unhappy, start thinking about how you can improve your situation. Make a list of small, proactive ways you can turn a negative change into a positive one. For instance, if you find yourself missing the routine of going to work every day, take steps to establish a new routine. Find a cause you’re passionate about and volunteer, make weekly plans with friends or start a new exercise regimen.
Embrace the Unknown
Think back over your life and identify instances in which a negative change or unknown situation actually turned out for the best. Take comfort in the positive ways change has worked in your life over the years and embrace the possibility the unknown can hold. You never know what good things may be just around the corner.
Above all, remember to give yourself time to deal with new changes. It’s perfectly fine to take change one step at a time. Once you’ve let the dust settle, take a few deep breaths and get ready to face life’s changes head-on.
No matter what changes life sends your way, retirement is a time to focus on feeling your best. Check out our free resource, The Vitality Guide: Nutrition, Exercise and Health Care for Seniors.
